More than 1000 people across the Hunter ran to raise money for domestic and family violence charity Got Your Back Sista on Sunday.
In its fifth year, the I Run For Her campaign encouraged groups and individuals to host walks and runs to raise money for the not-for-profit.
Domestic violence survivor and advocate Paige Bush ran from Empire Park, Bar Beach in her fourth year participating.
"It is a cause very close to my heart, I was very fortunate to escape a domestic violence relationship six years ago," Ms Bush said.
"I was lucky enough to have that chance to start over and there are so many men and women that don't get that chance so causes like this not only raise awareness but show people that there are safe places out there," she said.
Ms Bush ran with her workplace, Allambi Care but she said every year she had a different reason to run.
She had run for herself, to give others hope and last year she ran for Mackenzie Anderson, who was allegedly murdered by her former partner.
She said it was important to shine a spotlight on domestic violence and for people to publicly come together to speak out.
"When I was in this situation, I had no idea about causes like this," she said.
"I also think it starts a message of hope, when you are in that relationship you think you can't get out."
"There are still definitely hard days that I have but for the majority of it I am very thankful and grateful that I had a chance to start a beautiful life for myself."
New statistics by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research revealed in the 12 months to June 2024, police proceeded with 483 domestic Apprehended Violence Orders breaches in Newcastle and 632 in Lake Macquarie.
Frankie Leach, year 10 school captain at San Clemente High School rallied together 10 to 15 senior and junior girls from surrounding schools.
Since the beginning of October they had raised $1300 for Got Your Back Sista.
"I know how big of an issue domestic violence is, seeing in the news, women getting murdered, it is heartbreaking to see," Ms Leach said.
"I would never want that for myself, or for other people I know, I couldn't imagine my sister, I couldn't imagine my mum, my gran, my aunty."
She said it was amazing to see so many people turn up to the run, especially young kids and teens.
"It is really great to see that the new generation are having their eyes opened," she said.
Her grandmother, Jane Bynon, was volunteering at Empire Park, helping out wherever needed including cooking at the free sausage sizzle and holding up banners.
"We have been involved since its inception, I have three granddaughters and seven grandsons and I want this to be a world that is much nicer for all of them," she said.
Roughly 400 people ran or walked through the Empire Park location, Got Your Back Sista founder, Melissa Histon said.
She said so many people who showed up had a story to share.
"It is wonderful that those people have shown up even though they may be traumatised, they still show up to go - this needs to end," Ms Histon said.
She said she had seen a number of women run or walk on their own just because they felt so strongly about taking a stand.
"It actually shows what a problem domestic violence is in our community and how traumatic it is for women that they are like 'no I need to do something'," she said.
"This is a safe space for them to show up and to quietly go this has happened to me."
Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
