Domestic violence is back in the spotlight with plans for a Dubbo event for female victims and men who oppose it - and funding in the NSW Budget for the fight against the crime.
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Dubbo has a domestic violence rate twice the NSW average and ranks ninth worst in the state for crime.
Police, government departments and organisations representing women, victims and activists are involved in ongoing campaigns against domestic violence.
But, it is an awful social problem that also needs to be tackled by the entire community.
A Dubbo woman and former victim, Emma Gane, hopes to raise community awareness with a get-together in the city in August with people from all walks of life.
Survivors of violence will wear purple and people who don't want to stay silent about the problem will wear white.
She wants to encourage others to speak out about their experiences.
In many cases domestic violence victims don't involve police because of fear of revenge, embarrassment or shame and also don't talk about the abuse.
The budget outlined the government's plans to spend $148.5 million over four years on "specialist domestic and family violence" programs and services.
The government highlighted the importance of the issue earlier by appointing the first Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
The problem needs constant community vigilance and pressure if it is to be reduced and, ideally, eliminated.
Join the campaign.