Hundreds of people gather at domestic violence vigil in Brisbane

Hundreds of people have gathered at a candlelight vigil in Brisbane to remember those who have died or suffered at the hands of a loved one.

Hundreds of people have gathered at a candlelight vigil in Brisbane to remember those who have died or suffered at the hands of a loved one.

At least one woman is killed every week in Australia by an intimate partner.

Television identity and passionate domestic violence campaigner Kay McGrath said the vigil was an opportunity to initiate change.

“This is an issue that needs to be honoured and tackled by all of us,” she said.

More than 40 landmarks across the eastern seaboard were lit up in purple tonight in a sign of respect and remembrance, as well as spreading awareness.

Natalie Colburn lights a candle during the Brisbane Domestic Violence Service candlelight vigil from Roma Street Parklands. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The event celebrated the lives and mourned the loss of 10 Queensland women that have lost their lives since the last vigil was held in 2021.

Ms McGrath said Covid lockdowns had contributed to the suffering of women facing violence at home, with two thirds of victims reported that their abuse increased during the period.

“I hope that [these events] spur us on to be more active observers, and not be bystanders.”

“We can’t arrest and we can’t legislate our way out of this. We need to celebrate the change that has and is being made.”

“It’s up to each and every one of us to buy into this issue if we want to see real change.”

Attendees at the Brisbane vigil included Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and representatives from Queensland’s emergency services.

The first event was held in Queensland in 2005 but has since expanded, with vigils held right across the country.

Annastacia Palaszczuk at the Brisbane Domestic Violence Service candlelight vigil from Roma Street Parklands. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Ms Palaszczuk said the vigil gave a crucial voice to victims by bringing the issue out from behind closed doors and into everyday conversation.

“When women come forward to report domestic violence, we want to make sure that they are heard and respected.”

She said that the tragic murders of Hannah Clarke and her children showed Queenslanders what coercive control looks like.

“It is such a complex web, and our role is to get through that web and make sure that each person is safe and protected.”

“We owe it to those that have lost their lives to do better.”

Ms McGrath said that discussions about domestic violence needed to be held around dining room tables across the state.

“Our children need to be aware, and know what is acceptable,” she said.

Domestic violence survivor Natalie Colburn said it was important that people understood how domestic abuse was fuelled.

“He would want a reaction out of me. If I reacted he had a reason to be angry, and if I didn’t he would say I was ignoring him and he would still get angry. Either way, he’d blame me for making him angry to justify hurting me,” she said.

“It was never a two-way street. He gaslit and manipulated me into thinking everything was my fault, when it was all him.

“It’s real, and I nearly died.”

She said events like tonight’s vigil should remind women that there was support available, and urged anyone facing violence at home to seek help from a friend, family member or authorities.