Cries of “no more fights, reclaim the night” and “say no to violence” could be heard by anyone visiting the CBD of Moree on Friday.

Community members, local police including domestic violence liaison officer, Senior Sergeant Jason Ronczka, and a number of representatives for the organisations against domestic violence made their way to Rocket Park to start their peaceful protest against the crime.

After stopping traffic and weaving their way through foot traffic in Balo Street, the group made their way to the Town Hall where information stalls were set up and a number of speeches were made.

After a minute’s silence to recognise those who have lost their life because of domestic violence, the hall full of people from every age and gender were read a moving poem. The poem was read like an account of domestic violence from the point of view of a woman who was being abused.

Barwon Local Area Command crime manager Detective Inspector Tim Beattie then gave his support for the cause.

“We have seen an increase in the numbers of reported incidences of domestic violence,” Insp Beattie said in his address to the group at the Town Hall. “This is great because it means the awareness is getting out that domestic violence is not a private matter, it’s a crime,” he said.

He said the police are working with the organisations in the local area to provide better support for victims.

He said it is important for victims to realise they are not at fault; it is the perpetrator who is accountable for their actions.

The event was the second time for Moree, after the first one was held last year.

Toomelah and Boggabilla were next on the list. Organisers travelled to the towns on Friday afternoon to support their first marches.

Reclaim the Night organiser Pam Greer was the main guest speaker for the day.

“Wouldn’t it be great to be able to say, ‘I will be here until there is no violence’,” Ms Greer said.