According to White Ribbon Australia, women are far more likely to experience violence from a partner, with more than 95 percent of all victims of domestic violence, experiencing violence from a male perpetrator.

Even more concerning is the fact that nationwide on average one woman a week is killed by a partner in an incidence of domestic violence, with women being three times more likely than men to have experienced violence experienced by the hands of a partner.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer Kirrily Salvestro at the Linking Communities Network (LCN) says that unfortunately whilst awareness of what classifies as domestic and family violence has grown, domestic violence is still a prevalent issue in the community at large.

"Domestic and family violence is a hidden issue within our community, the rates of incidence of this violence is quite large not just in Griffith but surrounding areas," Mrs Salvestro said.

"However it is positive to note that we are seeing an increase in clients come to LCN because there is greater awareness of what domestic and family violence is, and how its not just physical violence that creates an abusive relationship."

According to Mrs Salvestro, there is more to domestic violence than just the obvious physical signs of domestic violence incidences that may of occurred.

"There is financial abuse, coercive control, stalking and intimidation and more which are all not just a matter of physical violence but are equally as bad," Mrs Salvestro said.

"If you have noticed that a loved one has been not speaking with or is unable to see you that could be a sign of coercive control.

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"Also, if you are in a relationship and you notice that your partner is controlling your finances, who you can talk to, where you can go, monitoring where you are and who are out with, these are all big indicators of domestic violence."

Mrs Salvestro noted that perpetrators of domestic violence wanting to change their abusive behaviour should call MensLine, an Australian wide organisation that provides free counselling support on 1300 78 99 78.

For those seeking help, the LCN offers access to safe, secure, affordable housing for those fleeing violence as well as a range of other support programs.

They can be contacted on 6964 4804 and are located at 177 Yambil Street, Griffith.

More information can be found online at https://lcn.org.au/

"We should all step up as members of the community and not be afraid to intervene in the lives of our family, friends and neighbours relationships if we are seeing signs of domestic violence," Mrs Salvestro said.

More information about White Ribbon Australia can be found at https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/

In case of an emergency please contact 000 immediately as your first point of call.

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