Media release – Advocates for Change, 30 April 2024
National Candlelight Vigil Shines Light for Family Violence Victims
Each year on the first Wednesday of May communities from all over Australia gather for a candlelight vigil in remembrance and honour of those who have lost their lives to family violence. This meaningful event, marking the beginning of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, brings together victim-survivors, family violence workers, family violence reform advocates and community members not only in a moment of reflection, but to shine a light on the devastating impact family violence has on individuals, families and the wider community.
In Tasmania, the Domestic Violence Coordinating Committees, incorporating representatives from government and non-government family violence organisations in Tasmania, have organised candlelight vigils will be held simultaneously with others around the country on Wednesday 1 May 2024 at Parliament House Lawns in Hobart at 5.30pm the Wharf Precinct in Ulverstone at 6.00pm, and the Town Hall Steps in Launceston at 5.30pm.
In 2023, as we face an average of one woman being killed by an intimate partner per week in Australia, the candlelight vigil remembers those who have lost their lives to family violence. The event also allows attendees to honour the courage of those victim-survivors who continue to experience violence within their homes and families. The candlelight vigil provides a meaningful opportunity for the community to gather in solidarity to provide their support to victim survivors of family violence, while also raising awareness of the issue and promoting the support options available to them.
Engender Equality CEO Alina Thomas says “It is wonderful to have people show their support and solidarity with victim-survivors and their families. The impact of violence and abuse is felt in families, in workplaces and in all communities across Tasmania.”
This year’s vigils will feature speakers who have been personally impacted by the horror of Family Violence including Romany Wake, daughter of Rachel Wake, and founder of Rachel’s Voice.
“Over recent years we have seen the vigil growing in size as our awareness and intolerance of violence against women increases. This is a social issue that is not going away and we are seeing more and more community members come out to say that women have the right to live in safe communities”, states Ms Thomas.
It is hoped that the National Candlelight Vigil to remember and honour those who have lost their lives to family violence will allow the Tasmanians to stand together in solidarity to communicate that not only we will never forget these victims, but we as a community will also not tolerate family violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence or abuse, help is available. Please contact the Family Violence Counselling and Support Service on 1800 608 122.
