ORANGE residents are being encouraged to seek help with domestic violence over the Christmas and New Year period with police and support services Housing Plus on duty to help victims in distress.
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Canobolas Local Area Command Leading Senior Constable Granton Smith said in line with the experience of previous years, police are expecting a spike in the number of reports of domestic violence.
“But that is what we are here for - to help,” he said.
Housing Plus Community and Client Programs regional manager Penny Dordoy, whose organisation works hand in hand with Orange police supporting victims of domestic violence, said the organisation is “keeping its doors open” between Christmas and New Year.
“Christmas can be tough for some families and family stress and domestic violence escalates and homelessness increases,” Ms Dordoy said.
Senior constable Smith, who was recently recognised by NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione for his dedication to helping domestic violence victims in Orange, said anyone who needs help should contact police.
“If your life is in danger call triple zero,” he said.
“We are in a better position now to work with Housing Plus as 100 per cent of calls relating to domestic violence are referred to the service.”
Ms Dordoy said this year there is a heightened awareness of the impact of domestic violence.
“The difference this year was that we heard about it, we talked about it and the community is more invested than ever in working together to solve it,” she said.
Ms Dordoy said Orange has been at the forefront of change, pioneering new domestic violence reforms that aim to reduce the risk of serious injury or death to victims of domestic violence.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help call 6361 1999 between 9am and 3pm on all days except public holidays. Otherwise, for 24-hour support call 1800 65 6 4 63.
If your life is in danger call triple-0.