Avigil will be held tomorrow evening to remember those who have lost their lives due to domestic and family violence.
The Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group together with Uniting Communities and City of Mount Gambier will hold a candle lighting ceremony at 5.30pm under the Mount Gambier Library verandah.
Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group chair Jane Zeitz said the statistics surrounding family violence were “shocking”.
“At each candlelight vigil we take the opportunity to honour the lives of the victims of domestic and family violence we have lost this year, and we stand in solidarity with those who have lost their mothers, sisters, family members and friends to this scourge. The ripple effects of domestic and family violence are far reaching in our community and country,” she said.
The group holds the domestic and family violence vigil which is part of a National Day of Remembrance held the first Wednesday in May each year to raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence; the lives lost, and the families torn apart.
“We come together to remember all lives lost due to domestic and family violence, especially those from our own community and the family, friends and colleagues who mourn them,” Ms Zeitz said.
Ms Zeitz extended an invitation to the community to join the vigil.
“We are asking the community to show their support by coming together and lighting a candle with a minute’s silence during the vigil on Wednesday,” she said.
The Limestone Coast Family Violence Action Group has a broad membership of community members, government and non-government service providers seeking to lessen the impact of family violence by raising awareness about domestic violence and its impact and advocating for change.
It also provides information about initiatives focussed on preventing violence in relationships and offering assistance.
One such initiative the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.
Further information about this scheme visit https://police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/dvds.
“Our Limestone Coast community is strong and together we can help continue the conversation about domestic and family violence to ensure we all know there is help available to victims and survivors and to those who use violence,” Ms Zeitz said.
If you need urgent assistance or are concerned for your safety, please contact Emergency Services 000, 1800 RESPECT or the Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1800 800 098 for assistance and support.
