This would mean domestic and family violence support and legal services could all be accessed in the one place. 

“Look at our statistics. It’s obvious we need to have something here in the region,” Ms Aitchison said.

The Central Hunter police command, based in Maitland, consistently ranks in the top 10 of the state for the number of domestic violence incidents reported.

The area also has a high rate of apprehended violence orders being issued for the protection of victims and ­regularly ranks in the top five of the state for the number of AVOs.

“Currently the court advocacy service has to travel up the Hunter, in some cases all the way to Muswellbrook,” she said.

“We need to have this in one location where domestic violence support services can be accessed.”

Ms Aitchison wrote to the NSW Attorney General Gabrielle Upton stating the now under-utilised East Maitland District Court would be an ideal location for the specialist domestic violence court.

“Much of the government’s recent response to this issue has been in policing trials that haven’t even included Maitland,” she said. 

“Trialling a specialised domestic ­violence court in the Hunter is something that is needed by our community.”

Pledge to make a stand against domestic violence

According to Ms Aitchison, specialised courts in Wagga Wagga and Campbelltown, established as trials in 2005, provided increased safety and access support services for victims.

She believed this model could be mimicked in the Hunter as the East Maitland site was close to both public transport and women’s refuge Carrie’s Place.

“Women need to feel safe and ­supported at all times while their cases progress through the criminal justice system,” she said.

“A specialist domestic violence court provided locally in Maitland where, sadly, we have a great need, could provide that safety and support for women escaping domestic violence.”