Domestic violence remains an issue for the Wagga community, demonstrated by the 28 incidents reported to the Riverina Police District over the weekend.
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This weekend, Wagga residents are invited to join the Mount Austin High School Clontarf Academy and the Riverina Police District in an annual campaign to stop violence against women.
One in two women will experience sexual harassment during her lifetime. On average, one woman per week is murdered by her current or former partner.
Leah Anderson, the trauma specialist counsellor, said contrary to what some might think, domestic violence is a prevalent issue in the Wagga community.
“While we are starting to see that there is a movement, there is so much hidden that isn’t identified,” she said.
“There are also multiple occasions where the police aren’t called to the scene.”
Ms Anderson said this is why initiatives such as the White Ribbon walk this weekend at Lake Albert are so important.
“It’s important that men lead the race because we know that it is men who are the perpetrators predominately,” she said.
“It’s about good men standing up and saying it’s not OK and it’s not what we want for our families.”
Detective Sergeant Phil Malligan said the walk is a great way for the community to show that they won’t stand idly by when it comes to domestic violence.
“There was a great 400 to 500 people last year who did the walk and certainly I think we can look at doubling those numbers this year,” he said.
The Wagga walk will start from Apex Park at 6.30am followed by a hot breakfast, on November 23.
The Women’s Health Centre will also host a ceremony from 10.30am to remember the 62 women who have been killed.
Entry is via gold-coin donations.