Hundreds marched through Geelong streets to remember and raise awareness of women and children killed during acts of violence.
Every woman killed since January 1, 2024, was honoured during Geelong’s ‘She Matters; Stop Killing Women Rally’ through speeches and posters displayed along Little Malop Street on March 15.
She Matters Geelong group member, and First Nations woman Julie Saylor-Briggs said the rally helped bring a voice to the 117 Australian women who lost their lives to family violence over 14-and-a-half months.
“We focused on the voices of Geelong women in the community whilst advocating for all women who have been murdered and all their children that have been displaced,” she said.
“We have women now who have left family violence situations or intimate partner situations with or without kids, who are still then facing that huge issue around the cost of living.
“It’s not just about the rights and the reforms; it’s also the deep acknowledgement that women across Australia are losing their lives in the most horrific situations. As a country we can do better.”
Ms Saylor-Briggs said it was important to continue to “advocate for truth” while asking people to show dignity and support for all women.
“Women are losing their lives from repeat offenders, and it might not just be related to (present) relationships but can come from past relationships,” she said.
“Having our fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends and work colleagues standing strong (against violence) is important because we all want to have a safe community.”
The Geelong event was among 14 rallies across the country that demanded action from political leaders to protect women and children from all forms of violence.
The rallies called on all governments to roll out meaningful policies to protect women and girls, boost women’s safety budgets, call for more ethical victim-focused trauma media reporting and for men to become key contributors in ending gendered violence.
National rally coordinator Sherele Moody said women deserved to “live life safe from violence, harassment and abuse”.
“One woman killed is one too many – 116 in 14 months is Australia’s shame, an epidemic and clear and disturbing evidence of violence increasing in our society,” she said.
“I predict the number of women lost to violence will climb this year and continue increasing as we see violent and misogynistic men platformed and normalised.”
