General News
11 May, 2024
Emotional tributes to the innocent victims
In a moving show of solidarity, about 300 people met in Horsham on Saturday for a community gathering and Shine the Light march to pay tribute to the children and women who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
In a moving show of solidarity, about 300 people met in Horsham on Saturday for a community gathering and Shine the Light march to pay tribute to the children and women who have lost their lives to domestic violence.
The night included a candlelight vigil walk, a briefing by police on safety and a presentation.
Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence vice-chair Shane Podolski said there was also a display included.
"Last year I painted 511 ping pong balls purple and I was hoping this year I could take some away.
"But there were actually 654 this year, so I had to paint more.
"We illuminate them with UV light and it represents every reported case of domestic violence in the Horsham LGA," Mr Podolski said.
He said while this number was "crazy", he was hopeful it reflected a greater percentage of cases being reported rather than more occurring.
"Unity was a big message to come out of the event," Mr Podolski said.
"It's going to be a long process but there is a way forward."
In addressing the gathering, committee chair Geoff Miller said events recently had focused the attention of the nation on the senseless loss of female lives as a result of male violence.
"This awareness and concern needs to translate into action at all levels," Mr Miller said. "We all have a role to play. "Each of us can call out inappropriate behaviour and language.
"We can learn how to be an active bystander and we can all make the effort to understand the problem that is male violence against children and women."
A projected image of a candle flickered on a screen as a moment of silence was held for the children and women who had been killed in acts of family violence.
The video also contained messages from community leaders, including Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline, who said family violence was never okay.
"I shine a light to show the victims there is a way out and to help them find the support they need," Cr Gulline said.
Likewise, council CEO Sunil Bhalla said there was no place for family violence in society.
"I shine the light and stand by those who are currently experiencing, or who have experienced it in the past," Mr Bhalla said.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s behaviour, support services are available.
If someone close to you discloses they are a victim of family violence, please believe them and encourage them to contact police or a support service.
1800 Respect National Helpline on 1800 737 732
Lifeline on 131 114
DVConnect Women's line on 1800 811 811
Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578
No to Violence runs a service which helps men who use violence to change their behaviour: 1300 766 491
Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or by email to safesteps@safesteps.org.au
Victoria Police advises if you can’t get to a phone, ask someone else to do it for you.
If you would like to share your story through our newspapers, you can reach out to reporter Zoey Andrews by emailing zoey@wmnews.com.au