Media Statement: Armidale tragedy must be a turning point for regional prevention

NAPCAN is deeply saddened by the brutal death of a woman in Armidale early this morning, in what police allege was an incident of domestic violence.

“Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and everyone in the Armidale community who has been affected by this loss,” said NAPCAN CEO Leesa Waters.

“This is a time to grieve. It is also a time to stop and ask ourselves, honestly, what we are going to do about it.”

“Domestic, family and sexual violence happens at higher rates in regional and remote communities, and it plays out differently there. Distance, fewer services, housing pressure and the reality that everyone knows everyone all shape how violence happens and how people get help. A one-size-fits-all approach designed in the cities will not meet that need.”

NAPCAN is calling on all levels of government to:

• Formally recognise the prevalence and particular nature of domestic, family and sexual violence in regional and remote communities in policy, legislation and the next action plans
• Commit to systems reform that is shaped by regional communities, not just delivered to them
• Provide long-term, adequate funding for prevention and early intervention programs already working in these communities, such as NAPCAN’s Love Bites respectful relationships program for young people
• Create pathways for proven local initiatives to grow, rather than relying on short-term grants and goodwill

“For too long, regional communities have carried this load without enough support from government,” Ms Waters said. “We have a real opportunity right now, while the next action plans are being shaped, to back what is already working. Prevention is an absolute necessity. It is how we stop the next tragedy.”

“Every child deserves to grow up in a home and a community where they are safe. That starts with prevention, and it starts with listening to the communities who are already leading the way.”

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or 13YARN (13 92 76). Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. In an emergency, call 000.

Media contact: Clare Walker, 0420507376, clare.walker@napcan.org.au 

Find out more about Love Bites here.