Domestic Violence Remembrance Day

The first Wednesday of May each year is set aside to raise awareness of domestic or family violence by mourning those who have lost their lives as a result.

Last week, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has reminded the community of the help and support services available in our community for those suffering domestic or famiy violence as the nation marked Domestic Violence Remembrance Day on Wednesday, May 1.

“Domestic Violence Remembrance Day is an opportunity for us to pause and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic or family violence, as well as those who are grieving the loss of their loved ones,” Ms Cooke said.

“Domestic or family violence is an insidious scourge on our society, infecting our social fabric, and often disguising itself in a way that can make it hard for outsiders to detect and for victims to prove.

“Physical abuse is often the most visible form, but domestic and family violence has many guises, including emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, social, verbal, and child abuse.”

In 2023, there were 36,072 incidents of domestic violence related assaults and 19 domestic violence related murders of women and children in NSW.

Ms Cooke said there was help available for victims who were seeking confidential information, counselling and support.

“If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family, or sexual violence, please call the toll-free number 24-hours a day, seven days a week for support on 1800RESPECT or visit 1800respect.org.au or phone 000 if you are in danger,” Ms Cooke said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our local support services, as well as first-responders and all those on the front line in our Cootamundra electorate who help, support, and protect those affected by domestic or family violence.”

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