POLICE are called to at least one domestic violence-related incident everyday in Gunnedah, according to new figures.
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The NVI can reveal the numbers which come amid 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Gunnedah Community Action Team (GCAT) are using the campaign as a launch pad to fundraise for new crisis accommodation in town for women and children affected by domestic violence.
Jobs Australia decided Gunnedah was an ideal place to launch the safe house project because of the prevalence of domestic violence.
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Police have recorded 152 domestic violence incidents over the last three months and 34 have involved children. Officers applied for 28 urgent, or provisional, AVOs in a bid to prevent further DV offences in some cases.
The figures, which show rates of DV-related incidents for September, October and November in the Gunnedah policing sector, show police investigated 23 assaults; 11 breaches of AVOs, two break and enters; 11 malicious damage incidents; as well as 57 other arguments, or confrontations, where no criminal offences were detected.
Gunnedah Inspector Michael Wurth said domestic violence was "a constant problem right across the nation" and "an ever-present scourge".
Inspector Wurth said the crisis accommodation was "a positive thing for Gunnedah" and would "complement the other services that are available".
"It is a fantastic community asset for domestic violence victims. In the knowledge of having that here, it gives them an option of leaving a bad option," he said.
"Often they need to stay in a house because they've got no alternative to go to."
He said Gunnedah police would work with Jobs Australia and "exchange information of who is in the house so we can offer the best protection and be aware of personal circumstances".
Inspector Wurth said the accommodation was "conveniently placed" and "offers a sense of security", but its location cannot be revealed for security reasons.
GCAT has teamed with Jobs Australia to drum up $150,000 to renovate and outfit the safe house.
In the coming week, they are encouraging locals to wear purple to show their support; hold a morning tea to raise funds; donate to the centre instead of buying a Kris Kringle gift; and suggest names for the new accommodation.
