With recent statistics revealing an increase in domestic violence in the Goulburn area, charities and community service providers require more resources.
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Anglicare regional manager for housing and and social services Toni Reay said community service providers like Anglicare needed additional resourcing, and more social housing to be made available in the area.
She said the number of people from domestic violence situations who approached their housing and emergency relief services had increased since the beginning of the year.
The NSW Recorded Crime Statistics Quarterly Update, released June 3, showed an increase in domestic violence related assault.
The report revealed domestic violence was up 24.5 per cent in a two year trend in the Goulburn Mulwaree area.
There were 122 offences in the region from April 2019 to March 2020. This was up from 98 the year before.
Goulburn Police Station duty officer Inspector Matt Hinton said "we will not accept domestic violence in our community."
He said the Hume Police District had seen an increase in domestic violence matters at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are working hard to take action against perpetrators, the police will take these matters seriously," Inspector Hinton said.
"We work with community partners to promote victims reporting these matters."
The Hume Police District carried out an AVO compliance operation, called Operation Making Families Safer 2020, where they conducted over 880 compliance checks from early April.
Inspector Hinton said the operation was to ensure victims were supported.
Mrs Reay said factors relating to COVID-19 restrictions such as unemployment, reduced working hours and increased financial stress had contributed to the increase in domestic violence.
"Last year alone we assisted over 600 people. We expect that number to increase for this year," she said.
"Domestic violence is a complex issue which is why greater community awareness is always needed.
"Some businesses are offering additional leave for people escaping domestic violence. This is a huge support for women who feel they have no choice but to stay in a potentially dangerous situation."
Anglicare Goulburn provides a variety of services that include emergency and transitional housing, emergency food and toiletries, and referrals. They also run parenting groups to build greater connection between caregivers and children.
Mrs Reay said the groups helped strengthen relationships and reduced the likelihood of family breakdown.
- Non urgent matters: Crimestoppers 1800 333 000
- Urgent, Life threatening emergencies or offences occurring: Triple Zero (000)
- National Sexual, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- NSW Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 65 64 63
- Anglicare Goulburn 4823 4000
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