It’s been a big few weeks. As advocacy group What Were You Wearing deals with investigation from local media, students say DV should remain in the spotlight as a national crisis, writes Ben Clifford.

A whirlwind of questions now surround Newcastle-based advocacy group What Were You Wearing, after the Newcastle Herald reported the complaints of former volunteers in a double-page spread.

But students are stressing they don’t want momentum to be taken away from the national domestic violence crisis, after rallies organised by WWYW generated media attention across the nation.

Data from the Counting Dead Women Australia project reveals a somber reality: at least 28 women have lost their lives in Australia so far this year, with 27 allegedly victims of male violence. This figure nearly doubles when compared to the same period last year.

Last weekend’s ‘No More’ rallies served as a public outcry in response to this increase, demanding swift and decisive action from lawmakers to end gender-based violence.

Placards echo calls for change in the streets of Newcastle. Credit: Billy Callaghan

Newcastle took a leading role in the three-day rally blitz, with hundreds of individuals dressed in WWYW’s signature orange, marching from Newcastle Museum to Nobbys Beach last Friday.

As they marched, chants of “we won’t go quietly, we won’t stay silent, we say no to domestic violence” reverberated through the streets.

The resounding message was clear: enough was enough.

An anonymous participant told Yak the Newcastle rally felt empowering.

“Marching alongside others, I felt a strong sense of solidarity and determination to bring about change,” they said.

“It was infuriating to realise that such rallies are necessary … the guest speakers moved me to tears with their passion and stories, inspiring me to continue advocating for justice.

“Despite the challenges, their words left me feeling somewhat hopeful that legislative action will be taken to improve the safety and security of all women in Australia,” they said.

Similar scenes unfolded around the country, with 16 other rallies held, including in Ballarat where mother of three, Samantha Murphy, was murdered in February.

However, it was the rally in Canberra that garnered national attention, where WWYW CEO, Sarah Williams, clashed with the Prime Minister after he claimed he had been dissuaded from speaking. A media frenzy ensued.

But looking beyond the headlines, the impact of the No More rallies has been significant.

Following the rallies, the Prime Minister convened a meeting of the National Cabinet, bringing together state and territory leaders to confront the national crisis. The outcome was a commitment to allocate $925 million over five years to establish the Leaving Violence Program. The initiative will offer up to $5,000 in crisis support for women exiting violent relationships, alongside crucial access to support services.

The New South Wales state government has also unveiled a $230 million emergency domestic violence package, promising security upgrades for victims’ homes and, in some cases, personal duress alarms for women facing threats of violence.

Building on this momentum, WWYW have announced a “national strike” on May 20th.

The advocacy group have stringently denied any wrongdoing.

Family and domestic violence support services:

1800 Respect national helpline:
1800 737 732

NSW Domestic Violence Line:

1800 656 463

Women’s Crisis Line:
1800 811 811

Feature image: Kailah Slade