“AS of April 30, 18 women had lost their lives due to violence in Australia this year alone.”
As the sun begins to set this Wednesday night, the faint light from candles will shine throughout the Cave Gardens as victims of domestic and Aboriginal family violence are remembered.
A part of a national event held on the first Wednesday of May each year, Soroptimist International Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group (LCFVAG) members will join the local community in a special candlelight vigil as they share in a moment of silence.
This year the impact of family and domestic violence on children will also be acknowledged.
Highlighting the prevalence of domestic violence in the country, LCFVAG chair Sonya Mezinec said although men are victims, most family, domestic and sexual violence is against women by men.
“In 2016, 73 women lost their lives as a result of violence, more than one each week and in 2017 it was 50 women – one a week,” she said.
“As of April 30, 18 women had lost their lives due to violence in Australia this year alone.”
A recent report, Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence in Australia 2018, published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, also noted children’s experience of abuse.
A total of one in six women was reported to have been physically and/or sexually abused before the age of 15 and for men that figure was one in nine.
Women who witnessed partner violence against their parent as children were also more likely to be subjected to partner violence themselves compared with women who had not.
Although figures have shown a decrease in death relating to domestic violence, Ms Mezinec said the issue was still far too prevalent.
“Despite the attention this issue has received in recent years, resources are still needed to address it – both in terms of prevention as well as more support services for those experiencing family and domestic violence,” she said.
The candlelight vigil will be held from 5.30pm with all members of the community welcome.
