The ladies at the Mulwaree Country Women's Association (CWA) have banded together to let people experiencing domestic violence know they are not alone.
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The dedicated group of women will hand out information packs at Goulburn Square on September 10. The packs will include a book which contains real stories of women who have experienced domestic violence, pamphlets, information and a few goodies.
The initiative is part of the CWA's annual Awareness Week.
Mulwaree CWA publicity officer and secretary Denise Crouch said the aim was to help people realise "they are not alone".
"We want them to realise help is out there," she said.
"It is not a fundraiser."
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
On average in Australia one woman is killed per week by a current or former partner.
On average one man in killed per month by a current or former partner.
Ms Crouch said the initiative was chosen due to the "response to surveys from CWA members".
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For the group the cause was especially relevant at the moment due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"Sometimes [these situations] bring out the worst in people," Ms Crouch said.
"Domestic violence is a national emergency for Australia."
Ms Crouch said the Mulwaree CWA aimed to "advocate for more programs for people to recognise they can get help".
She said this was especially relevant in country areas where there was "limited access to services" compared to big cities.
Mulwaree treasurer Yvonne Quintrell said domestic violence affected people from all parts of the community.
"I think women lose confidence, feel downtrodden and don't know how to get themselves out," she said.
The Mulwaree CWA will be at Goulburn Square, on Auburn Street, near Kmart, on September 10.
Available services include:
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service;
- NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) is a statewide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women;
- Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491) provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men;
- Link2Home (1800 152 152) can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
- Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- If you are in danger or in an emergency, always contact Triple Zero (000).