Domestic violence affects us all – and we all need to work together to stop it
Speakers at a vigil in Murray Bridge have spoken out on Domestic Violence Remembrance Day 2023.
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Domestic violence is an issue that affects all of us, no matter who we are or where we’re from.
That was the message from community worker Mohammad Hamidi at a domestic violence vigil in Murray Bridge on Wednesday.
Several dozen people gathered outside the council office on Seventh Street to remember the 55 Australian women and children who lost their lives to a violent family member last year, and the 13 more killed already this year.
That was too many, event organiser Tim Law said.
“More than one woman per week is still being killed in Australia by her male partner,” he said.
“More than one in three women over the age of 16 has been reporting physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner.”
Women and children from migrant backgrounds were particularly vulnerable, Mr Hamidi said.
Cultural differences, language barriers, family structures and a lack of knowledge about women’s rights and the law were all factors that made it difficult for people to seek help.
“They don’t know even what is domestic violence,” Mr Hamidi said.
“Most of them think maybe it’s only physical abuse … they’re not aware of other types of violence and about their rights as human beings.
“They have limited knowledge about family law in Australia, about how they can deal with their family members.”
Lutheran Community Care and other organisations were working to change that by offering counselling and information sessions, and by hosting community events.
But ultimately, he said, ending domestic violence was everyone’s business.
- Get help: Call the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098, or Murray Mallee Adelaide Hills Domestic Violence Service on 8228 8960; visit the Haven at the Edwards Square Community Centre, Murray Bridge between 10am and 2pm on weekdays, or the DVINA Centre on Standen Street between 10am and 4pm Monday to Saturday; or, in an emergency, dial 000.
- More information in Tagalog, 中文, Italiano, Tiếng Việt and other languages: breakthecycle.sa.gov.au/translated.
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