City march to honour those lost to domestic violence

A MARCH will be held later this month to commemorate the victims of family or domestic violence.

So far this year, 18 people have died in WA as a result of domestic violence.

That toll includes a two-month old baby, a seven-month old baby and two children aged three and five years old.

Women’s Council Chief Executive Officer Angela Hartwig said the figure was alarming, because often the violence was preventable.

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“In the last three years there have been 48 domestic homicides in WA,” Ms Hartwig said.

“Many of these killings involved ongoing violence from a partner or an ex-partner who was known to authorities.

“They are often predictable and preventable.

“One death is one too many, so the killing of 18 Western Australians, at the hands of loved ones, is alarming.”

Ms Hartwig said for every death, the lives of hundreds were impacted forever.

“When a family member is killed, not only does the immediate family become traumatised, entire communities are affected,” Ms Hartwig said.

“No one in Australia should think they are immune to the devastation of family violence.

“We all have a role to play in making our systems safer and reducing the high levels of violence against within our community.”

On Friday, November, 25, the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WA) invites all community members to attend the 26th Annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial march.

The march will remember and honour all those who have lost their lives because of domestic and family violence.

Facts about the event:

Date: Friday, 25 November, 2016 Place: Stirling Gardens (cnr Barrack & St Georges Tce) 10am: Free Morning Tea and Information Stalls 11am: Rally with Speakers 12pm: Silent march through the streets CBD. For further information  about the march contact Leanne on 94207264 or carolyn@womenscouncil.com.au