Light a candle in Cleveland at vigil for DV victims

Be counted and make a difference. That’s the message from Redland City Mayor Karen Williams as events begin this week to mark Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

A candle lighting vigil at Raby Bay Harbour Park will remember the lives that have been taken by domestic and family violence. Source: iStock / Getty Images

One woman every week is murdered by her current or former partner.

One in four women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15

One in five women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.

One in six women have experienced stalking since the age of 15. (source White Ribbon Australia)

This Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (starting May 1) Redlanders will have the opportunity to stand up for the lives that have been taken, the lives that are being lived under the threat and stand with those who have survived.

A candlelight vigil will be held at Raby Bay Harbour Park on Wednesday from 5.30pm (Picture. AAP/Emma Brasier)

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams is hosting two important events to help raise much needed funds for services and awareness of the affects of domestic and family violence.

On May 1, in partnership with Centre for Women & Co and the Red Rose Foundation, council will host a special Candle Lighting Vigil at Raby Bay Harbour Park, followed by the annual Diner en Rouge fundraiser on Saturday 18 May

“We need to stand up and be counted through opportunities such as these if we are to make a real difference for those affected by domestic and family violence,” Cr Williams said.

“Being part of these events helps to raise awareness of their plight … they show that we stand with them, and that there is hope and people who care enough to step in and do something to help.”

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Cr Williams said the “tragedy and misery” of domestic violence was never far away with Mission Australia reporting that around 121,000 people who experienced family violence sough help from services in 2017-18.

“And that’s just those who have sought help,” she said.

“The need for your support has never been greater.”

“The sad fact is that the number of women and children seeking housing help while experiencing family violence is rising, on average, 9 per cent each year and has been for years.”

“The disturbing consequence of that is the high risk of survivors of domestic violence returning to violent partners because they feel they have no option other than homelessness, with the cycle of violence starting again.”

“It shows just how far we still have to go to eliminate domestic and family violence and, especially, to provide the services that those affected by it need.”

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Diner en Rouge has raised almost $260,000 to support Redlands Coast domestic and family violence services. It is on again on May 18.

Diner en Rouge is an annual event that has raised money to support crisis accommodation and services on the Redlands Coast.

“We have raised almost $260,000 so far but so much more needs to be done to ensure we can provide and maintain the local services that are so desperately needed,” Cr Williams said.

EVENT DETAILS

Annual Candle Lighting Vigil

Venue: Cleveland’s Raby Bay Harbour Park

Shore Street West, Cleveland

Date: 5.30pm-6.30pm, Wednesday 1 May

Dîner en Rouge

Venue: Secret location

Saturday 18 May 2019

Information: redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge

Tickets: Redland Performing Arts Centre Box Office.

www.rpac.com.au or by calling 3829 8131. Tickets are $175 each or $1700 for 10.

Visithttps://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20277/council_events/778/d%C3%AEner_en_rouge redland.qld.gov.au/dinerenrouge for updates.