They see the devastating effects it has on a women’s well-being and, of course, the sometimes forgotten casualties – their children.

The service’s trained staff simply listen; they don’t judge and their actions are guided by what each individual women’s situation and what they want to do.

“We never encourage them to leave or make choices for them,” SFS manager Natalie Cowper says.

“We just support what they want to do.” 

But if a victim wants to leave a violent relationship they can assist.

This can range from helping to devise an exit strategy to attending a court appearance with them if they are seeking an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO).

“Women are most at risk when they are trying to leave and her partner is trying to get back control,” Ms Cowper says.

“And unfortunately after leaving many women often return – on average it takes around eight attempts for a victim to successfully leave.

“It is also an important part of our role to advocate for the children and highlight the impact it has on them. 

“We ensure children, in these situations, stay visible.”

Domestic violence can happen to anyone, it is not confined to one particular socio-economic group and it can take the form of both physical and mental abuse, Ms Cowper says.

So this White Ribbon Day they would like to see the Singleton community take responsibility for this issue.

In Australia, an average of one woman a week is killed by a current or former partner.

And the day, on November 25, is about focusing attention on this gendered crime.

“Although there are no specific events planned in Singleton,” Ms Cowper says.

“It would be great to see everyone, especially men, buying a ribbon or wearing a wrist band to shed some light on the issue.  

“People need to start having conversations about domestic violence.

“It is essential we stop the culture of victim blaming in our society. 

“I would like to see the media accurately labeling incidents of domestic violence rather than just saying a woman has been murdered.”

She says it is also important to start educating young children about healthy relationships and it’s never too early.

“The information we give them needs to be developmentally appropriate.”

To show your support and acknowledge the problem, White Ribbon merchandise can be purchased through the Singleton Council and at participating retailers, including Suzanne Grae and the Telstra Shop.

For more information about the Singleton Family Support or to make a donation to this vital service visit www.singletonfamilysupport.org.au

INDEPENDENT candidate for the state seat of Upper Hunter Lee Watts has thrown her support behind White Ribbon Day next week.

She’s calling on residents in Singleton to buy and wear a white ribbon on November 25.

“The campaign to stop violence against women needs to remain with us all on a daily basis,” Mrs Watts said.

“We need to stand up and speak out for what is right and not pretend it is not happening.

“White Ribbon Day is being held on November 25 as part of an international campaign to highlight and end violence against women.

“According to the World Health Organisation, intimate partner violence is the most common type of violence against women, affecting 30 per cent of women worldwide, and Australia is not immune.”

Mrs Watts said at least one woman was killed every week by a current or former partner. 

“The impact of violence against women is widespread and long-standing, generating profound personal, social and economic costs for individuals, communities and the nation,” she said.

“Domestic and family violence is also the major cause of homelessness for women and their children.

“Take a stand and support this cause not just on November 25 but on every day.”

White Ribbon is a primary prevention campaign, which works to change the attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women. 

There are national and state-based agencies that can assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

“Together as a community we all need to be aware of what is happening, we need to support and acknowledge those affected and share

information to stop domestic violence every day not just on the White Ribbon Day (November 25),” Mrs Watts said.

People can find additional information or to swear an oath at http://www.whiteribbon.org.au/standup