White Ribbon Day is held annually on November 25 and is Australia’s largest male-led campaign to stop men’s violence against women.

If you were walking along Macquarie Street in Dubbo on Friday, November 24, you may have noticed staff from Mission Australia Dubbo at the Church Street rotunda asking the community to sign a White Ribbon Day pledge.

Those who signed have pledged to stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women, Mission Australia’s Rob Hayward said.

“For a few years domestic violence was a taboo subject, not many people spoke about it, so raising awareness encourages people to say it’s not okay to use abusive behaviours in relationships…,” he said.

“And I think it’s so much more powerful coming from men to men and say it isn’t okay.”

Mr Hayward said Church Street rotunda was a prime location and enabled them to have that conversation with members of the community. 

“What’s really good is that people have heard about White Ribbon Day, which means awareness is spreading and more people are saying no to domestic abuse and violence,” he said.

Mr Hayward said it was great to see so many local businesses and organisations come together to raise awareness and put an end to domestic violence.

In the 12 months until June 2017 there were 317 recorded incidents of domestic violence related assault in Dubbo, almost double the average number of incidents across NSW.

While the number of domestic violence related assaults in some of the smaller towns were less than Dubbo, when compared to the rate per 100,000 people Gilgandra was almost three times the NSW average, Coonamble was 2.6 times higher, and Parkes and Wellington were both double.

In Walgett the number of incidents recorded during the 12 months was five times higher than NSW. 

“Domestic violence is very high (in Dubbo) and especially in the far west (of New South Wales) and there’s not much support there,” Mr Hayward said.

Mission Australia Central and Far West area manager Luke Butcher said domestic and family violence is a significant issue within the region.

“The community in Dubbo has done a lot of work to raise the awareness of the issues in the region and to promote the support services available for men, women and children,” he said.

“We urge people who are experiencing violence to reach out for support as there are local services that can help.”

Mr Butcher said the White Ribbon pledge encourages men to publicly stand up against domestic and family violence, to say that violence is never okay.

“People need to know that they can make a difference. Bringing an end to men’s violence against women will take a whole of community approach,” he said

“We know that domestic and family violence is a major driver of homelessness for women and children. It is not a private issue, but an issue for all of us to address. It’s great to see the community services here working collaboratively so that we can provide the support that is needed for people who reach out for help.”

Mission Australia Dubbo provides free support for women, men, children and families experiencing or at risk of domestic or family violence, working closely with other agencies and service providers in the region.

Mission Australia Dubbo is accredited to deliver the Men’s Behaviour Change program, which works with perpetrators of domestic violence to change their behaviour and look at better strategies to keep their families and themselves safe.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au In an emergency, call 000.