Domestic violence support workers are preparing to join hundreds of women and walk in quiet on Friday for the eighth annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March.
The sombre event is a reminder of the ongoing impact of family and domestic violence in the Peel region and a call for prevention and protection for survivors and those who experience pain and trauma.
Pat Thomas House Refuge chief Jill Robinson said the march was still just as important today as it was when it began.
It’s about giving them the silence – a silence says a thousands words.
- Pat Thomas House Refuge chief Jill Robinson
“Pat Thomas House has been involved in the Silent March since its conception,” she said.
“The march is in loving memory of those who have lost their lives as a result of family and domestic homicide and to call for prevention, protection and support for all those who survive and grieve the experience of family and domestic violence.
“It’s about giving them the silence – a silence says a thousands words. It’s quite moving.”
Allambee Counselling executive officer Nicole Lambert said the Silent March was an increasingly important event, given the prevalence of family violence recently.
“The rates of domestic violence in the Peel region have increased dramatically in recent years,” she said.
“The Peel Silent March is an important opportunity each year for the Peel community to stand together to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence and say that it is not acceptable.”
WA police statistics reveal a Mandurah family assault is reported every three days, increasing from 80 reports in 08/09, to 143 reports in 17/18.
Ms Robinson said the rise of family violence was a concerning problem but could be attributed to a positive reason.
“Family and domestic violence is increasing in Peel which I feel is due to there being more community members aware of what it is and the increased awareness of the support available,” she said.
“It’s getting worse because people are not hiding behind closed doors anymore and they know it’s not okay to sit in silence and take it but that there are people here to help you.
“A lot more people are talking about it but there’s still a lot that we don’t see.”
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Senior Sergeant Amanda Ahearn works at the Peel domestic violence police unit with police staff, a Rockingham refuge worker and a child protection worker.
In a previous interview with the Mandurah Mail, Ms Ahearn said the domestic violence issue in the Peel region was serious and required further funding.
“There’s no doubt it’s a big region with a high domestic violence rate – it’s quite concerning,” she said.
“There’s no doubt that there could be more funding and services in this region.
“They would be well and truly utilised.”
A lot more people are talking about it but there’s still a lot that we don’t see.
- Pat Thomas House Refuge chief Jill Robinson
Ms Robinson said the Peel community were working hard and have come a long way.
“Women from the past have done a fantastic job and there’s still wonderful women out there still fighting for the cause,” she said.
“Police are trained for it now and they’re very proactive.
“Most of the services in Peel all work really well together – it’s a very closed community but very supportive.
“The more the community actively says ‘No To Violence’ the better our community can be. It’s not okay to control another person, it’s not okay to physically harm another person and it is not okay to harm our children.”
The Silent March will begin at 10am at Mewburn Gardens on Sholl Street travelling along Mandurah Terrace to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.
All Peel residents are invited to attend.
- Are you experiencing domestic violence? Call police on 000 in an emergency or 131 444 to report an incident.
- For counselling or support services call the free 24 hour Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 007 339.
