More than 200 people gathered in solemn unity at the Geelong Candlelight Vigil Forum yesterday (7 May) to honour and remember the lives tragically lost to family violence.
The event, now in its second year, is dedicated to raising awareness of family and domestic violence while exploring practical steps towards real change.
Former tennis champion, Jelena Dokic, was a keynote speaker at the forum where she shared her powerful story of resilience to a full room at the Geelong Arts Centre.
Ms Dokic – who suffered emotional, psychological and physical abuse at the hands of her father – told attendees it was important to have open conversations on the issue of domestic violence.
“I was taught, trained and raised to stay silent. In silence, darkness thrives,” she said.
“Today I try and use my voice to call out injustice, to advocate for change, but most importantly to try and change the perception around child abuse, domestic violence and mental health illnesses, and try and help to remove the shame, stigma and judgment that is so often associated with talking about it.”
Ms Dokic shone a light on statistics that showed one woman was killed in Australia due to domestic violence every six days, on average, while one in two females will experience sexual harassment or sexual abuse during their lifetime.
“If those numbers don’t tell us that we really need to have open conversations, that we need to listen to victims and survivors and actually praise them and celebrate them, then I don’t know what does,” she said.
The forum also featured a panel discussion with Ms Dokic, Meli’s Family Violence Manager Kristy Berryman and the Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre’s Imogen O’Neill, which focused on children and young people impacted by family violence.
Ms Berryman said addressing the issue required a coordinated community response.
“We can’t underestimate the role that everybody can play in supporting children and young people experiencing family violence,” she said.
The event concluded with a poignant vigil led by local mother and survivor Sally, along with a minute of silence for those whose lives had been taken by family and domestic violence.
The forum was presented by Meli, in partnership with the Barwon Area Integrated Family Violence Committee, The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre, and Geelong Arts Centre.
It offered the community a chance to unite, share stories of strength, inspire change and remember the people behind the statistics.
As part of the Candlelight Vigil, buildings and landmarks across the Geelong region were illuminated purple to shine a line on this national crisis.
If you need support, please call:
- Barwon Orange Door: 1800 312 820
- Safe Steps (24 Hours): 1800 015 188
- In an emergency, call triple zero 000
Quick Exit
Skip to content