However, police have pointed out their numbers were stretched with prisoners in custody and said they always tried to be involved in these types of seminars.

Representatives from agencies dealing with domestic violence met in Lightning Ridge last week for the five-day workshop.

Hosted by the Lightning Ridge Wayarra Meamia Women's Group at the Barriekneal conference room, facilitators Pam Greer and Virginia Elliot said the workshop was designed for workers and interested community members to find better ways of handling and dealing with domestic violence issues and situations.

Funded by the Education Centre Against Violence at Westmead Hospital, the facilitators said they hoped the five days had helped workers to better understand domestic violence issues.

Representatives of the Walgett Violence Prevention Unit, Broken Hill Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Service, Lightning Ridge Wayarra Meamia Women's Group, Goodooga Health Service and Lightning Ridge Community Health Service all attended the workshop.

But the two facilitators said they had been disillusioned by what they referred to as a lack of co-operation and support by local police.

Ms Greer said they had contacted the Castlereagh Local Area Command a week before the workshop dates in Lightning Ridge.

"We invited the local police to come along, even if it was only going to be for one hour to give us some information on their role, what part they play and how they can help," she said.

But according to the facilitators the police initially said they were too busy.

One of the domestic violence officers from Walgett had attended on Thursday afternoon, however the two facilitators said they felt he wasn't very supportive in his approach or when he answered questions.

"It appears that nothing has changed during the past decade," Ms Greer said.