Njernda take stand against family violence as part of Campaspe DASH

And when it comes to family violence in the local indigenous community, the issue can become even more complex.

And devastating, as the ripple effects stretch beyond the immediate family and infiltrate the wider community.

Recent statistics show Aboriginal women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised from family violence than non-Aboriginal women, and almost 11 times more likely to be killed as a result of violent assault.

Horrifically, this only appears to be on the rise, with police reports of family violence against Aboriginal people (predominantly women and children) tripling in less than a decade in Victoria.

But Njernda Aboriginal Corporation family violence workers Belinda Parry and Craig Wickham are taking a stand.

And by participating in the Campaspe DASH, will take steps towards a future where family violence in the Aboriginal (and wider) community is significantly reduced.

“When family violence occurs, it affects the whole family, the mum, dad and children,” Belinda said.

“But with Aboriginal people, it also affects the wider circle of the family group.

“Any awareness raised of family violence is a great thing. It's important families are aware it could be happening and equip them to pick up on the signs.”

Belinda and Craig are an ideal team, with Belinda supporting women and children and Craig working with men – both perpetrators and victims.

Through their efforts, both have seen the importance of effective healing.

“If a man doesn't get the right healing, there's a great risk he'll reoffend,” Belinda said.

“And going to jail isn't the right healing. For instance, let's say a man has an addiction to drugs or has experienced childhood trauma.

“Those issues need to be addressed first before he can move forward.”

While both agreed there would never be a simple solution to ending family violence, they said more needs to be done to address this tragic plague.

“We need to raise more awareness, we need more services for victims and we desperately need more housing – because we currently have nowhere to put victims,” Belinda said.

“In a nutshell, we need more options. Because if people believe there are no options besides the abusive situation they're in, they'll think, ‘well, I might as well stay'.”

However, there is one vital change Belinda and Craig are fighting for.

An end to Echuca-Moama's ice epidemic.

“If ice was taken out of the community, it could reduce family violence in the local indigenous community by 50 per cent,” Belinda said.

“Because half the people who come to us are on ice. So that's the first step.”

As for the DASH on Monday, Craig hopes slow and steady will win the race.

And just as she is on the family violence frontlines, Belinda will be right by his side.

“It's not all about the race anyway,” Craig said.

“It's all about us doing whatever we can to raise awareness of abuse, and put an end to it.”