Hundreds of people have taken to the streets around the country to mark White Ribbon Day in solidarity with victims and survivors of domestic violence.
The fifth annual White Ribbon Walk kicked off from Randwick in the city's east early on Wednesday, with hundreds walking in solidarity wearing White Ribbon T-shirts.
High school students were out in force, eager to join in and tackle the issue of domestic violence.
Waverley College librarian Simona Joranovic said education is crucial in helping prevent violence against women.
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"I think it's really important ... the boys are aware of these situations and they are communicating and sharing in regards to this matter," Ms Joranovic told AAP.
"It is about educating each other and having the conversations that need to be had."
Echoing her views is relieving principal at Penrith High School Kristine MacPhail, who says schools are well placed to intervene in preventing domestic violence.
"So many students just think what they experience is their normal ... but it is not normal," Ms MacPhail told AAP.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione was among the sea of early risers whom he described as inspiring.
He said it's the day domestic violence is brought out from behind closed doors.
"White Ribbon Day shouldn't be a one day a year event, it is something that should be with us each and every day," Mr Scipione told walkers.
He said the statistics are staggering and asked the community to take the White Ribbon pledge to stand up and speak out about violence perpetrated by men against women.
"While only a minority of men treat women and girls with contempt or violence it is up to all men to create a culture where women are respected, where they are valued, where they feel worthy, where they feel that we really do care for them."
In the past year, there have been 27 domestic-related homicides across NSW and more than 28,000 reports of domestic-related assaults.
But while progress is being made in highlighting the issue of domestic violence, women from migrant backgrounds still struggle to make their voices heard.
Mother of four Sahar Ghaly was in an abusive arranged marriage for 13 years.
"Culture really pushed me into a corner thinking that it was a taboo to leave the male, and also taboo to be seen as a divorced woman," Ms Ghaly said.
She said she felt the system let her down.
"We are a multicultural society, but we are cross-culturally illiterate - we don't actually understand how other cultures function," Ms Ghaly said.
Ms Ghaly now works as an advocate to help educate other women from migrant backgrounds.
Annette Gillespie from advocacy group Safe Steps agreed that women from migrant and refugee backgrounds faced additional challenges.
"It can be very difficult for them to speak out within their community and to get the support that they need," Ms Gillespie said.
* National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple zero.
