Melton’s Zonta Club will spotlight domestic violence at a candlelight vigil later this month.
The vigil, Zonta Shines a Light on the Darkness of Family Violence, will start the club’s White Ribbon campaign and 16 days of activities to raise awareness of the impacts of domestic violence on women and children.
Zonta’s Bianca Heaney said it was important that the issue be brought to the fore, with women not left to feel that domestic violence was their issue alone.
“At least one woman is killed every week in family violence,” Ms Heaney said.
“This is a huge concern for us and we want to make people aware of the situation. We want to try to change things in Parliament and within our justice system.
“This is not just for one person, it’s for all women, not just this year but for the many years gone by,” she said. “It’s for those who have died as a result of family violence and kids who have been left behind with no mum.”
Ms Heaney said the vigil would be a chance for women to find the people and services in and around Melton who can help them.
Zonta has also launched a petition asking the state government to provide more funding for women’s refuges in the west.
“The petition will continue until it’s heard … and we get some action,” Ms Heaney said.
Zonta Shines a Light on The Darkness of Family Violence will be held at the Amphitheatre on High Street, Melton, on Friday, November 21.
For more details, call 0417 398 559.
