Twilight vigil highlights national shame of domestic and family violence

One-hundred-and-one pairs of shoes placed on the South Court steps on Monday evening were a sobering symbol of the national crisis of domestic and family violence across Australia.

The shoes and accompanying lights, representing the 86 women and 15 children who have been killed in acts of violence just this year, were the backdrop for Monday’s evening Twilight Vigil, the start of 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence events in Orange.

Led by Orange City Councillor Marea Ruddy and Jodie Ogilive, founders of the not-for-profit domestic violence organisation Am I Next? Monday’s vigil was both a memorial for the victims and a call to action.

“In our remembrance, let us honour each of these individual lives by fostering a renewed hope,” Cr Ruddy said.

“We envision a future where women and children are safe, valued and supported. Where Justice is swift and thorough and unwavering. And where we do not merely react to violence but work tirelessly to prevent it… where tragedies like this no longer happen.

Let this vigil be more than an act of mourning, it is also a promise. It is our promise to remember these lives and let their memory guide us forward.”

Orange Mayor Tony Mileto spoke briefly and to the point. He said the number of deaths is shocking when even one death is unacceptable.

“The fact that so many women have been killed due to domestic violence this year is a national shame,” Cr Mileto said. They are more than just a number, they are mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, workmates and friends. Women whose lives were violently cut short by someone close to them. Their lives matter.

“In their names, and names of all women and girls killed through domestic violence, let us stand together and say a strong and resounding ‘No’ to domestic violence.”

In a moving address, Penny Shapter shared her own experiences as a survivor of domestic violence and told of the tragic and long-lasting impacts.

But, Ms Shapter said, it is only by sharing these stories and bringing to light the terrible impact of gender-based violence on women and children that things can change.

“Preventing domestic and family violence is a collective responsibility. Starting with open conversation, with our stories underpinning change. Our dialogue, grounded in compassion, is crucial for challenging outdated stereotypes, systems and harmful beliefs.

“Like many here tonight, I've had a story to share. And by sharing our stories, we can inspire transformative change, bringing hope to all. Tonight, we have remembered and honoured loved ones and shone a light to dispel darkness and illuminate a path to prevention in a world overshadowed by violence. We each have the power to shine and inspire hope through our stories and our actions.”

The vigil concluded with bells being rung 101 times, once for every life lost to domestic violence this year.

To view the program of local events and find more information about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, visit www.orange.nsw.gov.au/domestic-family-violence-support