While reports of domestic violence in Wagga and surrounds has risen over the past two years, it is Griffith with the highest rate per 100,000 people, according to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

BOCSAR  figures revealed in the past two years Wagga had a domestic violence rate of 640.1 per 100,000 people, an increase of  37 per cent.

The situation in Junee was even more dire, with a 50 per cent increase to a rate of 714.6 in the same period.

However Griffith fared even worse – despite recording no statistical increase – the rate per 100,000 people was 1057.7.

The vast majority of domestic violence assaults occurred in the home, which led Group Captain Ross Jones from Wagga RAAF Base to suspect the situation was even worse than it appeared.

“One of the problems with domestic violence statistics is that there are probably a whole lot more cases that aren’t reported,” Group Captain Jones said.

“It’s a very dark part of our society that tends to be covered up.”

According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 80 per cent of women who experience partner violence don’t contact police. 

With just one month until White Ribbon Day, a male-led campaign against domestic and family violence, Group Captain Jones said it was important the crisis is tackled across society.

“We train and reinforce what healthy relationships are and what the signs of unhealthy relationships are – isolation and emotional tactics that can escalate into physical violence,” Group Captain Jones said.

“If you see something you should say something and not just let it go – and we get psychologists in to talk about these issues.

“It can be confronting but it’s a societal problem.

“We have to be sensitive that it does take that moral courage to stand up and say something because you know it’s the right thing to do.”