They see the faces behind domestic violence, its victims and the aftermath of the assaults.

It’s enough for paramedics in the Tamworth district to say we have a problem.

Statistics provided to The Leader by NSW Ambulance this week have revealed eye opening figures.

Paramedics were called out to at least 45 cases of suspected domestic violence in Tamworth in the last three months alone.

A spokesperson said that the real figures were potentially much higher because domestic violence cases could be “extremely difficult to identify” which was even more alarming.

“With domestic violence, often people are reluctant to tell paramedics that injuries have been deliberately inflicted by someone in their home,” the spokesperson said.

“As they are worried that disclosing this information will lead to further injuries or violence”

Locally, paramedic Caleb McCrindle knows all too well the physical injuries of domestic violence after almost nine years on the job.

Mr McCrindle and his colleagues on the front line are standing united in a call for the Tamworth community to speak up on domestic violence and to stop the vicious cycle. He said domestic violence occurred across all relationships.

“All too often we are finding injuries consistent with Domestic Violence,”  he told The Leader. 

“Injuries consist of facial injuries, lacerations and other injuries obviously deliberately inflicted by another person.

“It is a misconceived perception that domestic violence is exclusive to the spousal relationship as it often involves children and the elderly.

“These cases are often more challenging for paramedics due to the vulnerability of these patient groups.

“We implore the community to speak up about domestic violence whether it be in your own home or the homes of friends or relatives”.