SA’s Annual Domestic and Family Violence Vigil

2019 Domestic & Family Violence Vigil

The Coalition of Women’s Domestic Violence Services SA are calling all South Australians to stand with families and friends impacted by Domestic and Family Violence.

In 2018, SAPOL reported 5 DV-related murders in South Australia and during October last year Australia had a record death toll of 11 women murdered by a current or former partner in 27 days.

CWDVSSA would like to remind South Australians that we all have a role to play in addressing gender inequality and preventing violence against women and their children. We can start by stopping the condoning of violence against women. This includes making excuses for men who choose to use violence, minimising the impacts of violence on women, and victim-blaming.

Belinda Halliday, Co-Chair of the Coalition of Women’s Domestic Violence Services SA says:

“Domestic and Family violence is more than physical, it includes non-physical forms of abuse such as emotional and verbal abuse, elder abuse, financial abuse and spiritual abuse. In the vast majority of cases this is perpetrated by men against women and can lead to murder.

“The annual Domestic and Family Violence Vigil is an opportunity for us to stand with families and loved ones who have been impacted by this violence.

“It is also a time in which we can hear from women who have experienced Domestic and Family Violence. When we listen to their stories we are forced to confront the complexities around decisions like choosing to stay in a violent relationship. And when we listen to women who have lived through the realities of violence our understanding deepens.”

For almost 20 years, candle lighting Vigils have been held throughout Australia by various Domestic and Family Violence services at different times, all in remembrance of those who have died. Then in 2004 Services in Queensland held simultaneous Vigils on the first Wednesday of May to mark the beginning of the Domestic Violence Prevention Month. In 2009, the Vigils took their first step to becoming national with an event held in Hobart. In 2010 Vigils were held in the remaining states and now every year on the first Wednesday in May we all light a candle for the women and children who have died due to Domestic and Family Violence.

This year the Domestic and Family Violence Vigil MC will be Ali Clarke from ABC Radio Breakfast with guest speakers Rhi and Vanita with the Premier Hon Steven Marshall.

Event Details:

Wednesday 1st May, 5:30 – 6:30pm

The Rotunda, Elder Park, Adelaide

/Public Release.