Domestic violence rates in Maitland are appalling.
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The latest statistics provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research showed that the number of domestic violence incidents in Maitland from April 2015 to March 2016 was 520.
That equates to more than 47 each month… and these are just the ones that are reported to police.
Maitland is also the 23rd worst local government area in the state for domestic violence assaults.
It’s great to see there are people in the community who are standing up and saying that this is not good enough.
The business chamber’s initiative to involve sporting teams will not only ensure these men take the pledge to say no themselves, but will help to spread the message to others.
Sports people have a status within the community, and with that comes responsibility as a role model to aspiring young athletes and sports fans.
For these people to announce their stance against domestic violence, this could go a long way to helping improve statistics.
The Maitland Domestic Violence Committee is also renewing their promotion of White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action in November.
By having signs on busy main roads and displaying the anti-violence message on coffee cups, the issue is in people’s faces whether they like it or not.
Planting a memorial tree will also ensure we are exposed to the problem and the ultimate effect it has had all year round.
These groups are doing their part to bring down the figures and tell people that domestic violence is not welcome in Maitland.
But more needs to be done.
We all have a responsibility to speak out and condemn this horrible abuse.
It should not just be up to politicians, business and sports people to speak out for us, and it shouldn’t be a message we talk about for one month or day of the year.
Too many people feel scared or ashamed to come forward when they have been abused, meaning too many people are getting away with this horrible crime.
When we see or hear of domestic violence, we need to raise our voices and say it is not acceptable.
We need to let people know it is okay to speak out when they have been abused.
We can all do our own bit to stop domestic violence.
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
