The NSW Police Force and Rotary have formed a new partnership which aims to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence across the state.

The announcement follows the commencement of the internationally recognised campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, which runs from November 25 until December 10.

Throughout the 16 days, members of the public are being encouraged to step out, speak out, and walk against domestic violence with their family, friends, and workmates, while under the initiative, every police area command and district will team up with their local Rotary club to develop campaigns and activities around local domestic and family violence issues.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said the partnership reflects the ongoing commitment both organisations have towards combatting domestic and family violence, and the devastating impact it has on communities everywhere.

“Domestic and family violence has become an epidemic in our community, and it’s one that should not just stay behind closed doors,” she said.

“Every day, police officers across NSW demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting domestic violence victims.

“Our partnership with Rotary highlights the dedication both organisations have towards raising awareness and getting the message out to the community that we all have a vital role to play in stopping domestic and family violence.”

President of Grafton Midday Rotary Mark Thompson said it was a no brainer for the local club to become involved with the partnership.

“We need to educate the community about domestic and family violence as early as we can to help prevent it from happening,” he said.

On Friday, December 1, members of Grafton Midday Rotary will meet at Memorial Park in Grafton at 7:45am, and at 8am, along with Clarence Valley residents, they will walk across the old Grafton Bridge, and back across the Balun Bindarray Bridge.

“We’ll all be wearing shirts to bring attention to the cause, and we (Grafton Midday Rotary) want to send a very clear message that we don’t want to see domestic and family violence, in our community or anywhere,” he said.

• If you, or anyone you know has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence, contact your local police. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Support is available via the following helplines – Domestic Violence helpline 1800 65 64 63, 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.