The 16 Days of Activism campaign has launched across the Upper Hunter, shining a spotlight on the prevalence of domestic violence in the region and beyond. NSW Police say they respond to an incident every four minutes across the state, underscoring the scale of the issue.
Authorities stress that domestic violence is not just a policing problem but a community-wide challenge. Research shows victims often experience up to 26 incidents before reporting to police, prompting calls for early intervention and community vigilance.
“If people see or hear of incidents of domestic violence, they should report it,” Detective Inspector Andrew Wheatley said. “We’re here to help, and every officer is trained to assist victims.”
This year’s campaign focuses on youth, encouraging young people to speak to teachers or police about concerns. Support services include the national 1800 RESPECT hotline and the state-funded Empower You app, which connects users with local assistance discreetly.
Data from July 2024 to June 2025 shows 152 domestic assault incidents across the Muswellbrook LGA, 148 in Singleton, and 77 in the Upper Hunter – and that’s only the reported cases.
Police say the more information they receive, the better they can support victims and reduce unreported cases.
