NSW Police Force has teamed up with the Australian Hotels Association (NSW) for a campaign of bringing the ‘taboo’ subject out from behind closed doors.

A range of domestic violence-themed drink coasters and posters will soon be in use at hotels throughout the Parkes shire and state-wide.

The coasters and posters were unveiled in Sydney on Wednesday.

The promotion was unveiled by Police and Emergency Services Minister, Stuart Ayres, in the company of Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch, and John Green (AHA NSW Director of Policing and Regulation).

More than 600,000 coasters have been printed and distributed across the state and electronic posters will be displayed on digital signboards within the hotels.

Superintendent Taylor said any initiative aimed at reducing domestic violence offences is supported  wholeheartedly by police within the Lachlan Local Area Command.

“Police are well aware of the impact domestic violence has upon the community and individual victims,” Supt Taylor said.

“That is why every measure is taken to protect victims and prosecute offenders.”

He said local police are currently involved in the implementation of the new Police Issue Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

“This process alone has helped streamline the way police apply and issue protection orders.”

During Wednesday’s launch Minister Ayres praised both NSW Police and the AHA for addressing this issue head on.

He said domestic violence can no longer be a taboo topic. 

“We want people talking about it, whether it’s at a restaurant, bar or a pub,” he said.

“Domestic violence is not on.

“Something as simple as a coaster is often exactly what it takes to generate a discussion amongst mates.

“Speaking up, discussing and reporting domestic violence is critical to reducing its impact in our communities,” the Minister said.

Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said police were pleased to be working with AHA NSW on the campaign.

Statistics show most domestic and family violence incidents occur in the home.

“The issue itself impacts our entire community and needs to be brought out from behind closed doors,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.

“We hope the coasters will act as a conversation starter amongst family, friends and acquaintances, forcing the issue into the public space – challenging disrespectful values, attitudes and beliefs.

“Additionally, if we can remove the shame or embarrassment for victims by breaking the taboo surrounding domestic violence, we believe more people will be comfortable to report it to police.

“It’s only when we know it is occurring that we can help someone and put an end to the violence,” Assistant Commissioner Murdoch said.

Mr Green said AHA NSW were proud to partner the NSW Police Force and help bring awareness to this important issue.

“While assaults in and around licensed premises are at their lowest levels in more than 15 years, the incidence of domestic violence in our communities remains stubbornly high,” Mr Green said.

“AHA NSW is proud to support police for a safer community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Supt Taylor urged anyone fearing for their own or somebody else’s immediate safety through a domestic violence related incident to immediately call Triple Zero (000).

“In other instances, shire residents with information about domestic or family violence can call their local police station (Parkes 6862 9999), the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by using the Crime Stoppers online reporting page:https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/.

“Information you provide to Crime Stoppers will be treated in the strictest of confidence. 

“However, we remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages,” Supt Taylor said.