The 47 women and 18 children killed this year because of domestic violence have been honoured with a striking display in Victoria Park.
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A pair of shoes was put out to represent each person killed.
While Christmas and new year is a time of celebration for most people, Housing Plus - which runs the Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service in Dubbo - can it could also lead to an increase in domestic violence.
"We are hoping that community awareness of domestic and family violence will continue to grow and that anyone who is experiencing domestic and family violence knows that there is help out there for them," a Housing Plus spokesperson said.
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A similar demonstration has been held in Orange for a number of year but this is the first time the organisation has held it in Dubbo.
"[We wanted] to honour the women and children who have lost their lives to domestic violence, as well as calling on the community to acknowledge that takes a whole of community response," the spokesperson said.
"We also want anyone who might be experiencing domestic or family violence to know that there is help out there. If they are experiencing domestic and family violence in Dubbo, Mudgee and surrounding areas they can contact us on 1800 940 406."
Housing Plus is currently waiting on approval to build four self-contained crisis accommodation units for women and children escaping domestic violence.
Construction is expected to start in mid-2022 and be completed by the end of the year.
Housing Plus has received funding for Orchard from the federal government through the Safe Places program for the construction. Fundraising is ongoing to cover the money to furnish the units and cover the ongoing running costs.
In the Dubbo local government area, demand for emergency accommodation far exceeds supply.
Specialist Homelessness Services data from the Department of Social Services shows that every year, on average, 96 women and their children experiencing domestic violence who are seeking emergency accommodation are unable to receive it.
"We have understood the need for additional crisis accommodation in Regional NSW through our years of planning for the Orchard in Orange which was completed in late 2020," the Housing Plus spokesperson said.
"Housing Plus has in recent years expanded into Dubbo with community housing, opportunity pathways and more recently the Western WDVCAS and we are committed to providing women and children with access to crisis accommodation in our communities.
"These types of facilities are vital to ensuring that women and children who are experiencing domestic and family violence have access to accommodation and support to help keep them safe and in their own communities."
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence over the Christmas/New Year period, or at any other time during the year and need support, contact Housing Plus in Dubbo and Mudgee on 1800 940 406 or call 000 if it is an emergency.
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