THE flicker of candles illuminated Mount Gambier’s Cave Gardens as community members came together to remember those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence this week.
The vigil, organised by the Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group and Soroptimist International Mount Gambier, was one of many held across the country on Wednesday night.
Community members were joined by social workers and SA Police to stand in solidarity in an effort to shine a light on the epidemic that plagues Australia.
Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group chair Sonya Mezinec told the solemn audience to date, 17 women have been killed as a result of domestic violence in 2019 alone, or one for each week of the year.
“Last year in 2018, 69 women died through violence in Australia and 22 children died to murder and manslaughter,” she said.
“There were 27 women who were murdered in just 27 days in October 2018.
“Five domestic violence murders occurred in South Australia last year.
“One of those occurred in Mount Gamber in December, so there are a lot of people in Mount Gambier that have been directly affected by the loss of this woman’s life.”
Superintendent Phil Hoff addressed the crowd about the historic murder of Kitty Genovese, which was reportedly overheard and seen by 38 witnesses who turned their back on the woman’s early morning cries for help.
The event resulted in research that led to the “bystander effect”, in which people are less likely to help a victim when other people are present.
Supt Hoff used the story to urge community members to “step up and say something” when they see something going wrong.
“We are on a journey of cultural change and maturity in which we are gong to change the attitudes of people so we become less violent,” he said.
“That is only going to happen when people are prepared to stand up, say and do something.
“There are a lot of ways to not be a bystander, talk among yourselves, talk among your friends and one of the most important group of people, young men so they can learn respectful behaviours.”
Anyone requiring assistance can contact the Domestic Violence Gateway on 1800 800 098 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
In an emergency, dial 000.
