A call for domestic violence to be recognised as a national emergency is at the heart of this year's Country Women's Association of NSW awareness week.
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The campaign begins on Sunday, September 6 and the CWA of NSW have partnered with White Ribbon Australia and Domestic Violence NSW to support each organisation's lobbying efforts and services offered to victims and their families.
One of the biggest things the CWA of NSW would like to see changed was more facilities, emergency accommodation and support services for victims in rural and regional NSW.
CWA NSW President Stephanie Stanhope said it was important domestic violence vicitms and their families know they are supporting them and would like to see change.
"One of the major ways we can help is through our advocacy role, we do have good access to politicians and they do listen," she said.
"Partnering with White Ribbon and DV NSW is also an added bonus because it extends the voice to further areas..."
Ms Stanhope said the CWA of NSW understand that domestic violence is a widespread issue.
"It is becoming a national emergency. It is happening everywhere and with the COVID-19 lockdown it's even worse," she said.
"I was a victim o domestic violence and there are so many people out there who have directly been a victim or know someone closely who has. It's very widespread."
The CWA of NSW president said with support domestic violence is someone that victims can get through.
"There are services out there who can help and with the support of community and organisations, you can come out a much stronger person," Ms Stanhope said.
"There is a light at the end of the tunnel, even though at the start it looks as if it is never ending. It is not something anyone should ever have to experience, but unfortunately everyone is a possible victim."
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
According to statistic released by CWA of NSW one woman is killed every nine days and one man is killed every 29 days in a domestic violence-related situation.
One in six women and one in 16 men in Australia have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous cohabiting partner.
Indigenous women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-indigenous women.
Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and their children.
Women in regional, rural and remote areas are more likely than women in urban areas to experience domestic and family violence, and those who do seek help can find difficulty in accessing services due to geographical isolation and lack of transportation options.
For those in need of assistance, 1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service, which can be contacted on 1800 737 732.
For more information on White Ribbon Australia go to www.whiteribbon.org.au, and for Domestic Violence NSW visit www.dvnsw.org.au