02 December 2004

NSW Stop Domestic Violence Day

A recent study by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that 34 per cent of women who had a current or former intimate partner had experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence from their partner since the age of 16*.

The impact of domestic violence on children is at an all time high.

The NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS), which operates a Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463, said that calls involving children have increased by 42% in the last eight years – from 8,893 in 1996 to 12,607 in 2003/04.

DoCS said that research showed that domestic violence had a significant impact on the development and well-being of children, even when parents think the children don’t know or are asleep when assaults occur.

Stop Domestic Violence Day activities are taking place across the State tomorrow, corresponding with ’16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women’. Events taking place from Ballina to Dubbo and Penrith include, launches, forums and information stalls.

The NSW Violence Against Women Specialist Unit (VAWSU), which implements the Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women has coordinated a statewide program of activities for the Day.

Manager of VAWSU, Gaby Marcus, said “Domestic Violence in New South Wales has a devastating impact on the lives of women and their children, young people and families across all our communities regardless of race, age or socio-economic factors. This year’s Stop Domestic Violence Day is particularly timely being on 3 December as it corresponds with pre-Christmas and holidays, a time when the incidence of domestic violence is known to escalate.”

NSW Police in partnership with Department of Community Services have launched a new campaign encouraging young people to report violence within relationships. Research shows that if young women report violence to the police and seek protection from an apprehended violence order, the likelihood of continued violence is significantly lessened**.

“The focus of the NSW Police is to ensure victims of domestic violence know protection is available to them and the Police can assist them to obtain it,” said Assistant Commissioner Reg Mahoney.

NSW Health has recently developed comprehensive procedures for domestic violence, which guide the responses of health workers no matter where victims present. Women who come to antenatal, early childhood health, mental health and alcohol and other drug services are now routinely asked questions about domestic violence.

Anybody who is experiencing domestic violence or is concerned about someone else can call the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 (24 hr free call). For immediate danger call triple 0, otherwise telephone your local police station.

*Australian Institute of Criminology, Women’s Experiences of Male Violence: Findings from the Australian component of the International Violence Against Women Survey (IVAWS), Research and Public Policy Series No 56, AIC, Canberra, 2004, p44

**Australian Institute of Criminology, The Effectiveness of Legal Protection in the Prevention of Domestic Violence in the Lives of Young Australian Women, trends and issues in crime and criminal justice, March 2000.

Background:

The Violence Against Women Specialist Unit implements the NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women. The Strategy is the State Government's key initiative to address violence against women. The NSW Strategy to Reduce Violence Against Women (the Strategy) is an inter-agency initiative that aims to prevent and reduce all forms of violence against women. The Strategy is supported by the NSW Attorney General’s Department, the Department of Community Services, the Department of Housing, NSW Health and NSW Police in partnership with the Department of Education and Training and the Office for Women.

Related links:

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au