The Newcastle Herald has obtained the figures for July 2016 to June 2017, which show the number of incidents, rate per 100,000 and a state ranking for 154 local government areas.

Cessnock is ranked 22nd with a rate of 635.5 per 100,000 and 355 incidents.

Maitland is ranked 32nd with a rate of 567.8 per 100,000 and 435 incidents.

Muswellbrook is ranked 34th with a rate of 563.7 per 100,000 and 97 incidents.

Walgett was first in the state, with a rate of 1899.6 per 100,000 and 129 incidents. Several LGAs with low populations did not receive a rate or ranking.

Northern Region operations manager Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey, who is also the regional sponsor for domestic and family violence, said the crime was a “very, very large problem” across the Hunter.

“We have a big issue and we’re fighting it as best we can,” Superintendent Humphrey said.

“When we see increases they can be tied to victims having more confidence that if they report it there’s going to be an outcome, whether it’s an apprehended domestic violence order or a charge.

“There does need to be a massive culture change but it’s going to be gradual.

“It’s going to take a long time and it’s up to us to keep fighting the fight.”

BOCSAR figures for the past five years show domestic violence related assaults in Maitland local government area rose 1.6 per cent each year.

The trend is stable in Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter. There has been no change in Gloucester.

Northern Region domestic and family violence coordinator Sharon Wilkinson said it was a “serious crime and we’re treating it as such” with an avalanche of resources.

“But the question remains, why do we still have so much of it?” she asked.

“Police would spend 60 per cent of their time responding to domestic violence related crime.

“I had one general duties officer say to me if they knew they were going to spend eight months in the academy just to respond to domestic violence incidents they may not have joined.”

Victim Support Unit acting chief executive Kerrie Thompson said attitudinal change and practical action was needed to reduce the number of offences.

“Domestic violence is a very complex issue based around control and entitlement,” she said.

“It stems from socially ingrained beliefs and attitudes about gender roles, respect, and violence against [predominantly] women. It remains so prevalent partly because offenders aren’t willing to address offending behaviour.”

But, she said, others are willing to shine a spotlight.

Ms Thompson said the unit had seen an increase in calls from people asking how they can help a neighbour or relative they believe is being abused.

“It's essential that people have a conversation,” she said.

“We always encourage family and friends to let the victim know why they are concerned, as an outside perspective can be very useful.

“Domestic violence is also very isolating and sometimes simply letting a person know of your concern can be a huge step toward them getting assistance.

“Financial abuse also creates a huge barrier for victims seeking to leave. It’s important not to judge too quickly from the outside, as it can be incredibly difficult to seek help.”

Superintendent Humphrey will speak at Friday’s Hunter White Ribbon Breakfast about police initiatives to target perpetrators and assist survivors.

This includes taking audio or video recorded statements from survivors at the scene of an incident that can be admitted as all, or part of, their evidence in chief during a court case for charges and AVO applications.

This aims to reduce trauma for survivors recounting their evidence in front of their perpetrators.

He said Northern Region police recorded 429 statements out of a statewide 651 last month.

Superintendent Humphrey said police were also collaborating with Corrective Services NSW on electronic monitoring of high risk offenders.

“Corrective services will use a risk assessment tool to allocate 60 electronic bracelets, which will be live monitored and activated if the wearer approaches an exclusion zone,” he said.

“They will identify whether it is an imminent breach or a breach and notify police. Victims will also have access to an electronic device they can use as a panic button.”

He said local police had also stepped up ADVO compliance checks and “proactively assess people likely to breach”.

A domestic violence arrest team will soon be established at Maitland to cover Maitland, Port Stephens and Cessnock.

Superintendent Humphrey said the National Violence Disclosure Scheme will soon be rolled out across the state.

It allows for people who may be at risk of domestic violence to find out if their current or former partner has a history of violent criminal offences.

Ms Thompson welcomed the initiatives, but said AVOs needed to be better managed. 

“We often see clients who report breaches of an AVO to police, but unfortunately their concerns are either not taken seriously or there needs to be more proof for police action.”

She said other priorities included harsher penalties for perpetrators and more crisis accommodation.