Members of the Armidale community gathered in the Beardy Street Mall last Friday night to show their support for Reclaim the Night an internationally held march and rally protesting against all forms of domestic violence in the community.
A small gathering of around 100 people marched through the Mall and on to the streets of Armidale before returning for a BBQ provided by the Armidale Harmony Group.
Faye Miller from the Armidale & District Women’s Centre and DVPASS (Domestic Violence Pro Active Support Service) is still seeing at least two to three reports daily of domestic violence against women in the Armidale community.
“This is a very high figure here in Armidale and still an ongoing issue,” said Faye Miller.
“There are plenty of things being done to solve the problem of domestic violence and plenty of assistance. Education is the first part, to educate people to get help.
“Alcohol plays a big part in domestic violence and family violence.
“Physical violence is actually a very small part of domestic violence, it starts out with things like controlling money, who a person can or cannot see, and what they can and cannot do.
“This is the hidden part of domestic violence the controlling side. This then escalates to the physical violence, the black eyes and the bruising, that is when it is at its crisis point.”
There is plenty of help available in the community to anyone who is experiencing domestic violence or is aware of someone that is. For further information about local support services please contact the Women’s Shelter on 1800 005 352, Women’s Housing Group on 02 6772 8915, Women’s Centre on 02 6772 9540, Armidale Police Station on 02 6771 0699, DVPASS Quan on 0457 700 678, North and North West Community Legal Service Inc. on 1800 687 687.
Story: Jo Harrison
