Following the latest BOCSAR report which states Dubbo women are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault and indecent assault and other offences, at a rate double the NSW average, a women’s safety coordinator has said it is “everyone’s issue”.
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Dubbo Neighborhood Centre’s women’s safety coordinator Teagan Martin said she believes there needs to be more education and awareness around the issues.
“I think its about education, awareness and I don’t think we have enough education for youth.”
Her comments were backed by Dubbo Neighbourhood Centre CEO Michelle Redden.
“Women should have the right to walk around and feel safe. People shouldn’t rape and hurt one another. For people to not understand that … its disturbing.”
“She had the right to walk home safely,” Ms Redden said, referring to the alleged rape and murder of Eurydice Dixon.
Ms Redden said the education out there encouraged victims to seek help.
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Dubbo MP Troy Grant said while he was extremely pleased to see the crime rates of Dubbo and surrounding areas declining, he said there was still work to be done to reduce the number of domestic violence incidents.
“While it is concerning that indecent assaults and other sexual offences have shown an increase this quarter, this could be because victims felt more comfortable reporting.”
Mr Grant said the Dubbo-based Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team forms part of the state-wide police-effort to target high-risk domestic violence offenders.
“Police across the state have actively been encouraging the community to come forward and report sexual assaults, no matter when they occurred.”
“Let me be clear – I have zero tolerance for violence ... I urge victims to report it to local police so that perpetrators of these insidious crimes receive the justice they deserve.”
Annually, the Dubbo Violence Prevention Collective holds the Reclaim the Night march to raise awareness about sexual assault and this year they hope to partner with local organisations to help women feel safe.
Ms Redden said the state budget cut funding for domestic violence education and for change to occur there needed to be long term investment in support services.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic and family violence, sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14
or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au
In an emergency, call 000.
