Victoria lights up in purple as people gather to remember the lives taken by perpetrators of domestic and family violence

On Wednesday 3 May 2023 landmarks around Victoria will be illuminated in purple, and a Candlelight Vigil held to mark National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.

Last year, more than 60 buildings in Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria lit up to draw attention to this national tragedy. These include the Arts Centre, Bolte Bridge, Melbourne Town Hall, The Rialto, AAMI Park, the Victoria Police Building, Geelong Arts Centre, and the Yallourn and Loy Yang Power Stations.

“Too many women have been killed by violent partners. Last year it was more than one every week. A child is killed every two weeks,” said Chelsea Tobin, CEO of Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre.

“Every one of them was loved. Every one of them left behind people and communities who will always grieve for them. We all need that moment to come together, mourn together, remember together, and draw strength from each other to keep fighting for change.”

This year’s Candlelight Vigil will be held at the Family Violence Memorial Gardens in St. Andrews Place, Melbourne.

“We know family violence touches too many lives. Everyone who wants to join a quiet moment to honour the lives lost is welcome,” said Dr Tobin. 

You can join the Vigil by registering here or you can post a message on social media using #LightACandle2023. In addition, you can light a virtual candle and leave a message of support here. 

Find out more at https://safesteps.org.au/candlelight-vigil/

If you or someone you know is experiencing or afraid of family and domestic violence, please call Safe Steps for support on 1800 015 188 (24 hours/7 days a week) or visit safesteps.org.au. 

Click here to see some of Victoria’s landmarks as they were illuminated in 2022: Candlelight Vigil 2022; A city illuminated – YouTube