Silent March | Silence speaking volumes

The Silent March began in Perth in 1991 when a group of women survivors of domestic violence marched for a better system for themselves and their families to be safe.

They dedicated the march to honour those women, men and children killed as a result of domestic violence.

Last year there were 13 domestic homicides in WA.

Domestic violence occurs irrespective of race, religion or socio-economic status. It is predominantly perpetrated against women, however, the impact of domestic violence has tragic and long-lasting consequences not only for the victim but for the whole family.

This includes children who are silent witnesses to the trauma of violence in families.

Children's exposure to domestic violence can have serious effects on their wellbeing and development.

Pat Thomas House Inc and Allambee Counselling Inc provide essential services to people affected by family and domestic violence in the Peel region.

Allambee offers domestic violence and sexual assault/abuse counselling while Pat Thomas House is the key provider of support services to women and children who experience domestic violence.

On Friday, November 15, 2019, Pat Thomas House and Allambee Counselling welcome the Peel community to join them and stand united as they host the 9th annual Peel Regional Silent Memorial March for Domestic Violence in honour of all those who have lost their lives to domestic homicide and to call for prevention, protection and support for all those who survive and grieve the experience of domestic violence.

Representative of the struggle of women and children at risk of violence, the march includes wooden, life-size figures and white wooden crosses which symbolise the deaths of those who were murdered this year.

Community members are warmly invited to join the march.

The gathering will start at Mewburn Gardens, Sholl Street, Mandurah. Keynote speakers will start the address at 10am, followed by the Silent March along Mandurah Terrace to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre for light refreshments. Music will be provided by students from Halls Head College Choir.