The chairperson of Mandurah’s safe haven for women and children – Pat Thomas House – admitted people need to do more to stop the on-going domestic violence issue.
Jill Mather will participate in the 2017 Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March to remember and honour those who have been murdered by abusive partners or family members.
“Marching to remember those who have died is a long tradition in Australia, Anzac Day has been all about our fallen defence personnel as they served our country in war and peace. We observe a minute of silence to honour the dead at many important events. So a silent march sends a powerful message that we remember the victims of family and domestic violence who have been murdered by the perpetrator,” she said.
Ms Mather has seen family domestic violence first-hand, and knows the direct impact it can have on individuals and their communities.
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She raised several concerns about the community’s engagement with and knowledge of the continuing crisis.
“I think many areas of the community are ignorant, innocent and naive about the issue,” she said.
“They don’t quite believe that it’s really there.
“I think [through] the march we’re putting it out there. It’s real and these are people that have lost their lives.”
She said the march was an acknowledgement that society had “failed those people”.
Members from Pat Thomas House have made a series of crosses with the age and gender of those killed by abusive partners.
Ms Mather said this year she would carry one of the props as a sign of respect for the victim it represented.
There’s no doubt in Ms Mather’s mind that the event will be an emotional occasion for all involved.
“For a number of reasons I haven’t been able to be in the march until last year,” she said.
“I was blown away by the respect and the number of people who stood in the mall and down on the terrace.”
Ms Mather said during the march on November 24 she would be thinking of victim’s pain and suffering in their final moments, children who have to live with out their parents and service providers trying to keep families safe.
“As we march in silence we’re sending a message to our community not to forgot those 28 women and children and men who have died this year in WA as a result of [domestic violence],” she said.
“S much has been done in the last 30 plus years to help keep our women and children be safe in Peel, but the battle is far from won.
“All forms of abuse and domestic and family violence are crimes and we must continue our campaign to stop the violence.
“It’s everyday that these tragedies just continue on.”
How to report family or domestic violence
Call police on 131 444 to report an incident of family and domestic violence. People with hearing impairments can call TTY 106.
Questions you may be asked:
- The address where the incident is taking place.
- Your name and telephone number.
- The offender's name, age and date of birth.
- Are there any weapons involved? Are you able to describe them?
- Are you the victim? If no, what's the victim's name?
To make an anonymous report contact Crimestoppers on 1300 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au.
