BY TANYA DU PREEZ
NSW Police and CrimeStoppers NSW today launched a "No Innocent Bystanders" campaign urging the community to report domestic violence.
The campaign comprises a community service announcement to be shared across television networks and an extended video that will appear on social media platforms.
The video aims to highlight the serious realities of domestic violence while demonstrating how members of the community can take action by reporting incidents anonymously via CrimeStoppers.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said domestic violence is a serious issue.
"Tragically we have seen 32 domestic-related homicides this year in NSW," he said.
"In some of these cases we know that sadly there had been a history of violence in the home, and people in the community had knowledge of it but had reservations about coming forward."
NSW Police Corporate Spokesperson on Domestic and Family Violence, Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller said a simple phone call could save a potential victim from domestic violence.
"We know that people have the confidence to call police if a neighbour's car is being stolen, but there's still a reluctance to call police if they hear a physical argument happening next door," he said.
"Whether you're a neighbour, or a best friend, or even a doctor - so many people will cross paths with those affected by domestic violence and the community is such an important part of helping us reach out to victims.
"That one phone call, that one small piece of information, might just save the life of the next domestic violence victim."
