Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is reminding the community of the help and support services available for those suffering domestic or family violence, as the nation marked Domestic Violence Remembrance Day last Wednesday, 1st May.
“Domestic Violence Remembrance Day is an opportunity for us to pause and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic or family violence, as well as those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones,” Ms Cooke said.
“Domestic or family violence is an insidious scourge on our society, infecting our social fabric, and often disguising itself in a way that can make it hard for outsiders to detect and for victims to prove.
“Physical abuse is often the most visible form, but domestic and family violence has many guises, including emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, social, verbal, and child abuse,” she said.
In 2023, there were 36,072 incidents of domestic violence related assault and 19 domestic violence related murders of women and children in NSW.
Ms Cooke said there is help available for victims who are seeking confidential information, counselling, and support. “If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family, or sexual violence, please call the toll-free number 24-hours a day, 7 days a week for support on 1800RESPECT or visit 1800respect.org.au, or phone 000 if you are in danger.”
“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our local support services, as well as first-responders and all those on the front line who help, support, and protect those affected by domestic or family violence,” she said.