Thousands of people, including those from Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, marched on the streets of Melbourne on Friday, November 24, in solidarity with victim-survivors of family violence.
The march was also to express support for a future where all Victorians, especially women, are safe, equal and respected.
Prevention of Family Violence Minister Vicki Ward joined MPs, advocates and community members from all walks of life for the event from 11am, which included a walk from Parliament House to Carlton gardens.
“While one woman’s death from violence is one too many, in recent weeks we have seen headline after headline of women who have been killed,” she said.
“[This is] often at the hands of a current or former partner.
“The next 16 days are an opportunity to focus on the work that is happening all year round, to end family violence, to support victim-survivors and to change the attitudes that underpin gender-based violence.”
The Walk Against Family Violence, organised by Respect Victoria, kicked off Victoria’s activities to mark the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based violence, from November 25 to December 10.
On average, every 10 days in Australia, a woman is killed by a partner or former partner, but violence against women and family violence is preventable.
Preventing this violence is everyone’s responsibility and involves changing the outdated attitudes, beliefs, systems and structures that underpin this violence and addressing gender inequality.
