White Ribbon Day on Friday encourages men to stand up, speak out and act, and with rates of domestic violence in the Orana region consistently above the NSW average, it’s never been more important.
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According to information from the Bureau of Crime Statistic and Research (BOCSAR), Dubbo has the 14th highest level of reported domestic violence incidents in NSW.
Five of the worst 10 locations for the crime are in the Orana region.
Walgett has the highest rate of domestic violence incidents, Coonamble is ranked third, Wellington is fourth, Cobar is seventh, and the Bogan Shire comes in at number eight.
Narromine is ranked 13th, Gilgandra is 35th, the Mid-Western Regional area is 45th and the Warrumbungle area is the 50th worst in the state.
Bourke, Brewarrina and Warren are not included in the data.
Community organisations, businesses, workers, schools and others will be recognising White Ribbon Day.
Staff at Radio Rentals Dubbo will be wearing heels all day Friday to raise awareness of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is often hidden and therefore it is very hard to understand the real impact in our community,” store manager Brett McIntyre said.
Mr McIntyre said it was important for the team to be advocates of White Ribbon because so many people in the community were touched by domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is often hidden and therefore it is very hard to understand the real impact in our community,” Mr McIntyre said.
“Statistics from White Ribbon indicate that domestic violence is very wide spread nationally and far reaching. Every community including here at Dubbo is touched in some way.”
One in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them, according to the Australia Bureau of Statistics.
And on average, one woman every week in killed in Australia by a former or current partner.
The staff at Radio Rentals are hoping wearing the heels helps raise the profile of White Ribbon Day.
“We just want to send the message that you are not alone, there are many organisations and support services in Dubbo that are here to help you,” Mr McIntyre said.
White Ribbons are available from Radio Rentals, Suzanne Grae stores and the Salvation Army.