Community unites to break the silence on family violence

Around 150 people from Maryborough and surrounding areas gathered on Human Rights Day 10 December to call for an end to family violence.

The community walk, held as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, sent a strong and united message that violence will not be tolerated.

“We began the walk in Phillips Gardens and walked through the town centre, wearing orange to symbolise hope and change,” said Karla Rawles Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Maryborough District Health Service.

The visible show of solidarity acknowledged the many people in the region affected by family violence and aimed to help break the silence that often surrounds the issue.

“The Central Goldfields Shire continues to record family violence incidents at around twice the Victorian average.

“Family violence affects our entire community. By walking together, we show victim-survivors that they are supported, believed and not alone,” said Ms Rawles.

The walk concluded at Maryborough District Health Service, where attendees heard from lived-experience speaker Vanessa McNeill.

“Vanessa shared an original poem reflecting on her story.

“Her words spoke to the heart of the issue, the power, control and shame exerted by perpetrators, and the silent burden carried by victim-survivors.

“Her story also highlighted an essential truth: healing is possible, and shame must shift away from victims and back to those who choose to use violence,” said Ms Rawles.

The walk strengthened relationships between community services, an important outcome for both the prevention of family violence and effective responses when incidents occur.

“Collaboration across local services is vital to keeping people safe and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.

“We at Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) acknowledge that violence in the workplace and in the community, in all forms, is unacceptable. We are committed to being a workplace and community leader in the prevention of family violence,” said Ms Rawles.

The local campaign is organised by Maryborough District Health Service, Central Goldfields Shire Council, The Orange Door, Zonta, Centre for Non-Violence, Anglicare Victoria, Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative, Victoria Police, CFA, SES and other community partners.

“We thank everyone who participated in the walk and all partner organisations for their support and commitment to preventing family violence,” said Ms Rawles.

While the walk was an important step, ongoing awareness and understanding are essential.

“Family violence is not always physical. It includes any behaviour in a family or intimate relationship that is violent, threatening, coercive or controlling, and that causes a person to fear for their safety or wellbeing,

“While people of all genders can experience violence, evidence consistently shows that women and children are most affected. Promoting gender equality is a central part of prevention,” said Ms Rawles.

Challenging rigid gender stereotypes, fostering respectful relationships, and ensuring equal opportunities all help reduce the conditions that allow violence to occur.

Support Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence, help is available:

• Orange Door: 1800 512 359
• 1800 RESPECT
• SafeSteps: 1800 015 188
• Centre for Non-Violence: (03) 5430 3000 / 1800 884 292
• Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
• Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative: 03 5442 4947
• Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 (Text: 0480 017 246)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• Emergency: Call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.

To find out more about the state-wide Respect Campaign and resources visit respectvictoria.vic.gov.au