THE Cave Gardens fell into silence on Wednesday night as community members came together to remember those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence.
Organised by the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group (LCFVAG) and Soroptimist International Mount Gambier, the candlelight vigil was one of many held across the country in remembrance of victims.
Around 40 people gathered in the heart of the city with candles shining brightly as they took a minute of silence for the 18 women who have this year already died as a result of violence in
Australia.
Speaking to the group as the sun began to set, LCFVAG chair Sonya Mezinec said it was an important time for people to reflect on violence in the country and how they can help to make a difference.
“Last year there were 17 women who were remembered, but the year before it was 30,” she said.
“While 18 is still high and far too many, it is an improvement on where we were two years ago.”
With women five times more likely to be killed by a current or previous partner than men, Ms Mezinec said domestic violence was the greatest health risk indicator for women aged 20 to 42.
“I found that figure rather staggering – we usually think of breast cancer or perhaps heart disease as the greatest risk,” she said.
“Domestic violence is an even greater health risk than smoking or physical inactivity.”
Also contributing to thousands of cases of homelessness in the country, Ms Mezinec said the community must keep doing all it could to help those in need.
“Domestic violence is the greatest contributor to homelessness for women and children,” she said.
“In 2016 to 2017, there were 72,000 women, 34,000 children and 9000 men who sought help for homelessness due to family violence in Australia.
“There is still a lot of work to be done in preventing family and domestic violence and supporting those who experience it.”
With more cases highlighted in the previous few years, Ms Mezinec said there had been more awareness around the issue.
“I do not think the number of incidents is greater, but more people are reporting,” she said.
“What that means is that we do need more services to support people that are experiencing it and those services are in great need in the Limestone Coast.”
