The number of violence related assaults reported in Western NSW is exceeding the state-average.

As we focus on domestic violence in White Ribbon Month, statistics from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), show that assaults in regional NSW have increased over the past two years. The statistics show that the Western region significantly surpasses state averages.

Figures show that reported assaults in the Western Region are three-times higher than the state average. Experts are unsure whether the increase in reports may partly reflect greater awareness and willingness to report incidents, rather than a genuine rise in the occurrence of violence.

They say it is also important to note that reported assault figures only scratch the surface and do not reflect all domestic violence incidents, as many still go unreported.

And there’s widespread reporting that the rate of violence against indigenous women is far higher than their Caucasian counterparts.

According to anti-violence campaigners, ‘Our Watch,’ a third of women killed allegedly by men’s violence since June are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women – despite making up just four per cent of the population.

A spokesperson for Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), said it is not clear whether violence against Indigenous women is increasing or simply being reported more frequently.

“Historically, Indigenous women have been less likely to report domestic violence, making it difficult to determine whether the actual incidence is rising or if there is merely more reporting and discussion about these issues,” they said.

“The factors that increase domestic violence-related incidents are complex. These can include racial discrimination and economic exclusion, gender inequality and societal norms that condone violence, poverty and trauma within communities, and reluctance to involve authorities due to fear of various repercussions.

“However, on the flip side of that, community-led services, culturally appropriate support, education and awareness programs that promote respectful relationships, and better data collection can help drive change.”

Educating the community

The spokesperson said to educate the community, we need to work with local leaders and groups, continue to expand programs in schools like "Love Bites" to teach kids about healthy relationships, provide easy-to-access support services, and keep talking about domestic violence in the community.

“The more we bring it up, the better we can educate the community and future generations,” she said.

“Some wins in the local community include more people reporting and being aware of domestic violence, services tailored to Indigenous women's needs, and community events like coercive control talks and activities by the DV Collective that support victims.

“Challenges include stigma and fear that stop victims from speaking up, lack of resources and funding, cultural barriers, and intergenerational trauma. Mental health issues also play a big part, and talking about mental health is often seen as taboo,” the spokesperson said.

White Ribbon month

White Ribbon Month in Australia is an annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about and preventing domestic and family violence. It is observed from 18 November to December 13. The campaign aims to mobilize individuals and communities to take a stand against violence towards women, working to create a society where women can live free from fear and violence.

The White Ribbon campaign in Australia involves various activities and events that focus on:

• Raising Awareness: Promoting conversations and education about the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities.
• Challenging Attitudes: Encouraging individuals to challenge and change attitudes and behaviours that contribute to or condone violence against women.
• Supporting Victims: Providing support and resources for victims of domestic and family violence, as well as promoting initiatives to prevent such violence from occurring.