Call to report all domestic violence

A newly formed family and domestic violence support group is urging witnesses and survivors of the violence to speak out after a case in the Albany District Court last week.

Albany Family and Domestic Violence Action Group (AFDVAG) was formed in March this year to support and connect the community with available local services.

With 897 cases of domestic violence reported in Albany over the past 12 months, AFDVAG spokesman Andrew Wenzel said the case highlighted the need for action within the community.

"All of us have a role to act early and prevent or help women who are experiencing family and domestic violence escape their situation," he said.

Mr Wenzel said it was often really difficult for women and children who are in family and domestic violence situations to speak out.

"The research shows that maybe only one in five cases make it through police reports, so if you consider that, that's effectively an act of family and domestic violence in Albany every couple of hours," he said.

Last week, Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety reported about 82 per cent of victims do not report domestic violence.

Great Southern family protection co-ordinator Sergeant Merryn Bojcun said police attended roughly 34 domestic violence cases a week in the Great Southern and about 17 of those were in Albany.

Sgt Bojcun said perpetrators of family and domestic violence made the victim feel powerless and worthless.

Incidents often related to the perpetrator's attitudes towards the home, family and decision making, she said.

"It is about power and control over their partner," Sgt Bojcun said. "Domestic violence takes many forms as well as physical violence, it can be emotional, psychological or spiritual."

Mr Wenzel said family and domestic violence was an understated problem and reporting cases was vital to both sufferers and the community.

"It's far better to speak up than it is to remain silent because it can help end violence and it can help change lives and save lives," he said.

Visit the Albany Family and Domestic Violence Action Group Facebook page for more information and available services.

Domestic violence takes many forms as well as physical violence, it can be emotional, psychological or spiritual. Sergeant Merryn Bojcun