Candle Lighting Vigil held to remember lives lost to domestic violence
On Wednesday 1st May a Candle Lighting Vigil was held at Kangaroo Points Cliff in Brisbane. The purpose of the vigil was to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic and family violence.
Originally started in 2005, the Candle Lighting Vigil is now in it’s 14 year. The vigil marked the first day of May – Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
Sadly, since the last Vigil one year ago, Queensland has seen 11 apparent intimate partner homicides. The vigil helps us remember the loved ones lost, as well as helping to spread the message about how to get help.
The vigil started with the MC Kay McGrath revealing the names and ages of the 11 Queenslanders. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk then addressed the 300 strong audience. This was followed by outgoing Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and Paralympian Karni Liddel addressing the audience.
Personal experiences of the devastating impact of domestic violence were shared by Jonty Bush and Natalie Hinton. Jonty lost her sister, followed by her Father as a result of domestic violence in Rockhampton. Natalie Hinton is the Mother of Gold Coaster Tara Brown, who was run off the road and beaten to death by her ex-partner.
Local Brisbane singer songwriter Hannaka performed, as did Songlines Choir and the Queensland Police Bag Piper. The Brisbane City Council lit the Story Bridge and the Victoria Bridge purple in remembrance.
The Candle Lighting Vigil is a Queensland Domestic Violence Service Network event. It was jointly hosted by DVConnect, Brisbane Domestic Violence Service, Australia’s CEO Challenge, Red Rose Foundation, as well as Immigrant Women’s Support Service, Queensland Police and QSuper.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, DVConnect can help you find a pathway to safety, away from violence. The DVConnect helplines are:
- Womensline 1800 811 811, available 24/7
- Mensline 1800 600 636 available from 9am – midnight, 7 days
- Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120, available from 7.30am – 11.30pm, 7 days.
- For more visit www.DVConnect.org.
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