Clementine Ford, a writer and activist, speaking at the Walk Against Family Violence rally in Melbourne to remember the women and children who have lost their lives, who have experienced violence, and who continue to suffer family violence.
The walk against family violence began in 2009 by a committee of family violence services, local council and Victoria Police in the southern region to raise community awareness of family violence and its impact within the community. It gives everyone an chance especially those affected by family violence to show their commitment to ending violence against women and children.
One in three women in Australia are affected by family violence – yet, the depth and real nature of this occurence in Australia is often not exposed to the communities.
The Walk not only pays tribute to those whose lives have been lost or affected by family violence, but also gives emphasis to the many-sided impact it has on families and communities.
Early last year, the Royal Commission into Family Violence made 227 recommendations to the Victorian State Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews has promised he will implement all recommendations from the report to “overhaul our broken family violence system from the bottom up.”
Since the release of the report, the Victorian Government has introduced major reforms and funding initiatives to support the Family Violence sector and the services it provides for women and children.
Continued mobilisation and organising as a community however, is critical to work towards the elimination of family violence once and for all.
The Walk Against Family Violence started from Federation Square Melbourne ang participants walked through major CBD streets. Other activities for the day, include musical performances and guest speakers talking about the importance of recognising family violence and taking steps to make it a thing of the past.
Remembering the women and children who have lost their lives due to family violence....
