THE community is being urged to speak up about domestic violence, with support workers saying it could “save a person’s life”.
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May marks Domestic Violence Prevention Month and the Tamworth Family Support Service (TFSS) will continue to shine a light on the issue in the community.
TFSS will start the month with a remembrance service in Bicentennial Park on May 2, commemorating people who have died as a result of family or domestic violence, commencing at 5.30pm.
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The candlelit vigil has been held in Tamworth for a number of years and Lynda Townsend, TFSS domestic violence services team leader, said support had improved.
“The event has grown because there is more recognition of the impact domestic violence has,” Ms Townsend said.
While the event is a solemn reminder about the loss caused by family violence, she hoped it would also rouse more community awareness about the issue.
Ms Townsend said TFSS was able to provide support to up to 30 women a week.
Help rendered includes access to financial support and improving safety in the home.
She said the number of people annually supported by TFSS were cases reported to authorities and only represented a minority of the overall issue.
She encouraged people to speak out if they suspected domestic violence was occurring.
“If you see or hear something, and it’s safe to do so, intervene or call the police,” Ms Townsend said.
“It might save a person’s life.
“Talk to them and let them know how to get support or help.”
According the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), rates of domestic assaults have remained steady in the Tamworth Regional Council area.
There were 344 incidents reported to police in the Tamworth area in 2017, slightly up on 2016’s tally of 336.
Tamworth’s rate of domestic assaults in 2017 was listed at 564 per 100,000, higher than the state average of 366.4.