The heart of Sale was illuminated in purple on Wednesday evening as locals gathered for the Wellington Candlelight Vigil on Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised Gippslanders who came together in solidarity with all victims and survivors of domestic and family violence.
“It’s heartening to witness our community advocate for change and strive toward a future free from such violence,” Mr Chester said.
“We still face a significant issue with violence and sexual assault against women and children in our region.”
All three local government areas in the electorate of Gippsland – East Gippsland, Latrobe and Wellington – rank among the worst 10 regions for the highest family violence rates in Victoria. East Gippsland recorded the highest rate of family violence in the state in 2024, Latrobe the second highest, and Wellington the seventh highest.
Family violence is at an all-time high in Victoria, with attacks surging nearly 20 per cent in the past two years.
Mr Chester has challenged Gippslanders to do more to end the violence against women and children.
“We all need to do more to end the violence against women and children in our community,” Mr Chester said.
“I have spoken many times in Federal Parliament about the need to eliminate violence in our community, and I will continue to make my voice heard on the issue when Parliament resumes. I’m passionate about assisting in whatever way possible for the rest of my parliamentary career because I want to live in a community where girls and women are safe and treated with respect in their homes and in public.
“I also want to live in a community where boys and men have positive role models, understand their responsibilities and don’t seek to use their power to bully or harass women.
“As men, we need to demonstrate our respect for the women in our lives on a daily basis and accept responsibility for the changes that need to occur.”Mr Chester said we have to do better across Gippsland.
“We can do better if we work together to build a culture of respect and personal responsibility,” he said.
“I support a shared vision where all Gippslanders are safe, thriving, and living free of family and domestic violence.
“Thank you to the men and women who are already working to improve the situation in Gippsland, and I urge you to keep working together to fight the wave of violence against women and girls.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 or visit https://lnkd.in/dMJdtgK2.
Call 000 if you’re in danger and need immediate assistance.
