MEDIA ADVISORY May 3, 2023 FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH
CORRECTION AND CLARIFICATION: CANDLE LIGHTING VIGILS ARE BEING HELD TODAY WEDNESDAY MAY 3 NOT NEXT WEEK
53 women and children have died from domestic and family violence since candle lighting vigils twelve months ago
Candle lighting vigils are being held for National Day to Remember those who have died as a result of family and domestic violence as yearly figures are released ahead of a national conference in Brisbane.
Since vigils twelve months ago 85 women and children have been killed in Australia with 53 of these deaths from Domestic and Family Violence, 32 from unknown, stranger and associate violence and 5 deaths of men from associate and stranger violence.
“Candle lighting vigils today are about remembering those who have died as a result of family and domestic violence,” says Micah Projects CEO Karyn Walsh. “It’s a time for all of us to join with families, friends and those who have known and been part of the lives of people who have died. Everybody can play a part in raising awareness as well as preventing domestic and family violence.
"As many people as possible need to be part of the National Day to Remember because domestic and family violence is an issue the whole community needs to be involved in acknowledging and addressing. It is difficult because of the hurt, pain and intensely personal reality of this violence. If we are to tackle the issue the whole community needs to be involved and looking at what needs to be done to actively prevent and stop it,” says Karyn.
The Listen Connect Reflect ending violence against women and children conference will also be held in South Bank next week at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 12 and 13. “The Listen Connect Reflect conference will show that domestic and family violence, poverty, housing, health and justice are all closely connected,” says Micah Projects CEO Karyn Walsh.
“Domestic and family violence won’t end until we address poverty and other issues that are the results of poverty. It takes all of us to make this happen. All members of the public, no matter where you work, are welcome to come for either or both days of Listen Connect Reflect. It’s about getting everybody involved, whatever area of work you’re involved in. It’s the only way we’re ever going to reduce and end domestic and family violence,” says Karyn.
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