The remote South Australian town of Coober Pedy is best known for the opals mined underground, but scratch beneath the surface and there is a far more heartbreaking claim to fame.
According to SA Police, the tourist town's rate of domestic violence offences was the highest per capita of any SA suburb in 2016, with abuse affecting more than one in 10 residents.
A survivor herself, Julie Hammermeister is part of a group of locals launching a renewed effort to increase awareness and improve support for those who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence.
"We have one of the highest rates in South Australia of domestic violence and that's why we've jumped onboard to try and make a difference," she said.
Ms Hammermeister is one of about two dozen local women calling themselves the "Sisters" who have been working to make accessing support services less intimidating.
"It's been an issue for a long, long time, people are scared to park their cars at the front of that building where there's predominantly DV workers," she said.
"We've got cards distributed all over town now ... they can ring a number and make an appointment, and they can meet someone somewhere or someone can visit them at their home, if it's safe."
'Sisters' and 'Emus' say enough is enough
Alongside the "Sisters" is the men's group — the "Emus" — so called because male emus provide primary caregiving to their young.
President George Cooley said as well as helping with the broader "Coober Pedy says Enough" campaign, the male group offered a safe space to learn and talk.
"It's a known fact that men do not open up quite so easily."
Fellow Emu and domestic violence case worker Peter Boafo said often the priority was educating men about what domestic violence looked like.
"Let's say you have your partner, anytime your partner comes to the house, you [furrow] your face, and you make your partner scared to come to the house, that's domestic violence," he said.
"If the pattern continues all the time, that's domestic violence.
"Often they open their mouth, and say 'ah that is domestic violence, but I didn't bash my wife?"
Emergency services, survivors and support services unite
The groups are also hoping to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic abuse through a commemorative plaque recently unveiled in Coober Pedy.
It reads "in memory of those who have passed and been touched by domestic violence", alongside new seats allowing visitors to contemplate the issue installed nearby.
A large group of locals came to witness the opening, including survivor and paramedic Petta.
"It's a topic very close to my heart.
"I've come out of domestic violence marriages and to be on the other side and now to do something good for it, it's amazing."
