This month, show your support for victims of domestic and family violence. Hollie Hughes shares events taking place in Newcastle during May.

(Content Warning: The following article discusses sexual assault and violence against women. If this brings up any issues for you, you can contact any of the helplines included at the bottom of the article.)

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is an annual event held in May to raise community awareness regarding the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected.

If you’ve been paying any attention, you would be aware communities all over Australia are coming together to stand against workplace and domestic harassment and violence against women, exclaiming Enough is Enough! Notably, the nation-wide March4Justice gave survivors and allies the chance to call for an immediate shift in the culture surrounding violence against women and protest against the current treatment of women in both our national capital and beyond.

In the current climate, the need to continue momentum on this issue is paramount. On average, one woman per week is murdered by a current of former partner and in over just 5 days last month, more Australian’s died at the hands of violent men than COVID-19.

To mark the occasion of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Newcastle charities who support women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness: 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Children along with Nova for Women and Children, are hosting a Candlelight Vigil this week to pay respect to all of the women and children tragically lost to violence each year.

Anyone is welcome to attend the Vigil and show their support for ending violence against women and children and the the event is being held this Wednesday, the 5th of May at Civic Park in Newcastle from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Members of the Yak team will be attending this Vigil so if you are looking to attend and want to go with a group – please contact us through our social channels.

If this post brings up any issues for you, or if you just feel like you need to speak to someone, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. It doesn’t matter where you live, they will take your call and can refer you to a service closer to home. This service is completely free.

Feature image from What’s On Newcastle, no changes made, used with permission.