'The price we are paying is too high': Community marches in silence for victims of domestic violence | Photos

The ninth annual event was a reminder of the ongoing impact of domestic violence in the Peel region and a call for prevention and protection for survivors and those who experience pain and trauma.

Community leaders, local politicians and residents gathered at Mewburn Gardens to hear from keynote speakers before marching through the city centre in memory of loved ones lost as a result of domestic homicide.

Peel Development Commission chairwoman Paddi Creevey emceed the ceremony while Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk made the opening address.

"We need to do everything we can to lead a community conversation that says this violence has to stop," Ms McGurk said.

"The statistics speak volumes, the price we are paying is too high. The price women, children and generations are paying at the hands of domestic violence is too high.

"I'd like to commend the whole Peel community - the service providers, schools, organisations, members of the public for coming here today."

In his speech, Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams said the march was still just as important today as it was when it began.

"We stand here again collectively with both a sense of grief and a sense of pride," he said.

"Grief because, once again, we are acknowledging those that have lost their life to domestic violence across our state and because we know, in our own community, the large number of victims of domestic violence in the Peel.

"But we also stand here together in pride because, for every perpetrator of domestic violence in this community, there are hundreds and thousands of people who have their arm around those that are victims and support those that are put in these difficult positions."

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Domestic violence survivor Jenny moved the crowd with her personal and traumatic experience, capturing the hearts of listeners and inspiring hope.

"Being with a manipulator who was emotionally, physically, verbally, financially and sexually abusive over the years took a toll on me," she said.

"As I was living in survival mode for so long, I lost my self esteem, felt isolated, had depression and felt beaten down but I still felt the need to stay as to not leave my children without their father.

"But I knew I didn't deserve to be spat on, sexually abused, have black eyes, bruises on my body, to be strangled, made to feel weird for wanting to raise our kids differently, to constantly have a fist raised at me or to be living my life feeling trapped and unsafe."

Audiences also heard from Aboriginal community leader George Walley, Pat Thomas House Refuge chief Jill Robinson and Allambee Counselling executive officer Nicole Lambert.

At the conclusion of the speeches, the silent march along Mandurah Terrace began, accompanied by a police escort.

Community members walked with life-size wooden figures and white crosses to symbolise the lives that have been taken so far this year and represent those who are still at risk of violence.

The silent march concluded at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre where everyone was treated to light refreshments.