Now officers such as crime prevention officer Senior Constable David Bates and crime coordinator Sergeant Mick Macpherson are asking the community to join them in taking a stand against violence in a White Ribbon “Walk against Violence” march at Narooma this Friday.

“We want everyone in the community to participate and this is a chance for people to say no to domestic violence against women,” Sgt. Macpherson said.

The morning will start at 9am with students from Narooma Public School assembling on Narooma golf course to be photographed forming the shape of a white ribbon.

The White Ribbon campaign is the only national violence prevention campaign, which calls for men across Australia to speak out and take an oath to stand up, speak out to prevent men’s violence against women.

White Ribbon events are happening this week around Australia and Narooma was chosen for its central location in the Far South Coast command.

Everyone is then asked to march down from Narooma Golf Club to the Narooma Sports and Leisure Centre and NATA Oval, where there will be various stalls and activities set up focussing on domestic violence, and later a barbecue.

Sgt. Macpherson said government and non-government agents such as Katangul health service and local men’s sheds had been invited to attend.

“It will be an opportunity for agencies and groups to speak about the rolls they play and why they are against domestic violence,” he said.

Police hope more potential offenders can be diverted to services and community groups where they can receive support and guidance before committing an offence.

“It’s important to report any domestic violence to police or any group that you feel comfortable with – just talking about it is a start.”

Domestic violence continues to make up a significant portion of local officers duties, the officers said, but one recent innovation is domestic violence evidence kits that including a video camera that records statements on scene.

The kits and process is meant to reduce stress on and intimidation of the victim with recorded statements used in court in place of them having to take the stand.

Local police are also waiting for the roll-out of the body-worn video cameras.​

FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES:

1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732

Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811

Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491

Lifeline (24 hour crisis line): 131 114

Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277