Each year, Safe Steps and the Victorian community come together to shine a light on the devastating toll of family and domestic violence.
Taking place on National Family Violence Remembrance Day on the first Wednesday of May, the Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Prevention Month.
In May 2024, over 400 attendees united in a powerful display of solidarity to light a candle and honour the memory of those lost as a result of domestic or family violence.
With more than 50 iconic landmarks across Victoria adorned in purple light, the Candlelight Vigil became a beacon of awareness.
Domestic and family violence affects people from all walks of life and includes many forms of abuse and violence that aren’t always physical. The Candlelight Vigil reminds us of our imperative to speak up, reach out, and break the silence surrounding family violence.
The 2025 Candlelight Vigil will take place on Wednesday 7 May.
You’re not alone
The Candlelight Vigil provides a moment of remembrance and a call to action for all Australians. It fosters solidarity and raises awareness about the devastating impact of domestic and family violence.
Candlelight Vigils are held in cities, towns, and communities across Australia, offering spaces for people to come together in reflection and solidarity. Major landmarks like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and Melbourne Town Hall are lit up in purple as symbols of hope and remembrance.
Find your nearest vigil location and join others in shining a light on family and domestic violence.
Your involvement strengthens the message that together, we can make a difference.
Call 1800 015 188 anytime, email us at safesteps@safesteps.org.au, or visit Safe Steps Webchat.
Your donations directly contribute to life-saving support for individuals and families experiencing family violence.
Funds help us:
Every contribution, big or small, plays a vital role in creating safer futures. Donate now.
Help amplify the message of the Candlelight Vigil and the fight against family violence:
Your voice can inspire others to take action and foster greater understanding of this critical issue.
Safe Steps respectfully acknowledges and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and pays respects to their Elders of past, current and future generations.
Safe Steps is committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our clients and our staff. We are committed to a focus on recognising and eliminating discrimination in the services we deliver. Read our Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Statement here.
Safe Steps is committed to creating and maintaining a Child Safe Organisation; ensuring obligations to meet the Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme requirements, as codified by the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic). You can read more about this commitment in our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy here.
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is supported by the Victorian Government.
Safe Steps is a free service for all people experiencing family and domestic violence.
You do not need a referral to use this service.
For emergency support, please call 000 now.
Otherwise, you can contact our Safe Steps team for family and domestic violence crisis support.
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