In the lead up to Christmas, organisations are urging community members to be aware of domestic violence spikes that can occur.
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In the 12 months up until September 2019, Wagga saw 474 incidents of domestic violence-related assault. Up 70 events compared to the previous 12 months.
But, do you know what to do if you witness or suspect domestic violence is happening in your community?
Riverina Police District's Acting Inspector Maggie Deall said anyone who witnesses a domestic violence incident needs to call Triple-Zero instantly.
"Stay on the line and give us as much information as you can," she said.
"We would suggest that if you do not know what you are going to walk into, then it is better to stay safe and not intervene."
Inspector Deall said there are a few courses of actions to take if someone suspects domestic violence incidents are occurring, depending on how well the person knows the victim.
"If it is a friend or family member, then approach them away from the partner and offer them help in terms of services and support and encourage them to inform the police," she said.
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"If it's a neighbour and you are hearing noises or seeing signs, then you can call the police or report it through Crime Stoppers if you wish to remain anonymous.
"If there are children involved, you can contact FaCS."
Inspector Deall said police have private rooms where people can contact domestic violence liaison officers.
She added that if someone is afraid to go into the police station, officers can arrange a meeting elsewhere.
Director at Wagga Family Support Service, Jenna Roberts, said it is essential to be an "active bystander" without putting yourself or the victim in harm's way.
"The most important thing is to ensure the woman is safe by having a confidential conversation with her," she said.
"Ask if they are OK, if they need anything and make sure they know there are services out there.
"Talk to them about what is normal, and being controlled and being hurt is not normal. It is a human right to live without being hurt."
Ms Roberts said people need to be aware that abuse is more than physical, as it can be extended to possessive behaviour and emotional manipulation.
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She added that Wagga residents need to be bold and stand up and say 'we will not stand for this'.
Nani Coulter, the acting coordinator of Wagga Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy, said the priority is always to ensure that she knows what services are out there.
"Offer them a phone to call people without it being tracked," she said.
"Always check their safety and their children's safety.
"If you don't know how to help, you can call a service and ask the question because they are to help."
If you, or someone you know, has experienced domestic or family violence, the services available to provide support include:
If you, or someone you know, has experienced domestic or family violence, the services available to provide support include:
- 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 is a confidential information, counselling and support service;
- NSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 656 463 is a statewide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women;
- Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men;
- Link2Home 1800 152 152 can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
- Lifeline 13 11 14 is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.