The Armidale Domestic & Family, Violence Steering Committee, started a support campaign on November 25 as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence international movement.
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Committee chair Kristy Palmer said the group wanted to get a clear message to the community that domestic and family violence is a crime.
"It occurs when there is violence, abusive or bullying behaviour or actions towards a partner or former partner to scare and control them," Ms Palmer said.
"It can happen at home or outside of the home, and it causes fear and harm to the body, mind, and spirit.
"From November 25, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence ( an annual international campaign) begins calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
"Internationally, the impact of COVID-19 and consequent lockdowns has seen an alarming increase in domestic family violence."
Local businesses are being encouraged to support the campaign and display the Domestic Violence Support Services stickers and posters on their premises.
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Ms Palmer said that within Australia it is reported that on average one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner, 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15 years, almost 40 percent of women continued to experience violence from their partner while temporarily separated, and 1 in 19 men had experienced physical abuse at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.
"The Armidale Domestic and Family Violence Steering Committee (ADFVSC) is a group consisting of local service providers working collaboratively to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and the supports available in our community for those who have or are experiencing it," she said.
"Domestic and family violence is a real and ongoing issue in our local community."
The Armidale Domestic Violence Steering Committee flag will fly from the Armidale Regional Council flagpoles during the campaign to promote awareness and show that violence is not acceptable in our community.
Armidale Regional Council interim administrator Viv May said domestic violence is an important issue that impacts many Australian families and needs to be addressed.
"One of the key steps in reducing the incidence of domestic violence is to raise community awareness, and Council welcomes the opportunity to play an appropriate role in this initiative.
Local solicitor and committee member Terri King thanked businesses for their support and encouraged everyone to speak to staff, family, and friends to increase their understanding of domestic family violence and where to find help. She also encouraged them to take photos of them displaying posters and sharing this on social media.
"We would love if you could send us a picture of your organisation hanging the poster or sticker for us to share on our social media," Ms King said
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse contact the Police or Ambulance on 000, NSW DV Line 24/7 (1800 656 463), 1800 RESPECT (1800737 732), Victim Support Line (1800 633 063), Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491).