Toowoomba mourns loss of Emily Thompson in silent rally against domestic violence

Roses in hand, Toowoomba residents gathered at City Hall to pay tribute to high school student Emily Thompson who had her life taken away when she was allegedly murdered and dumped in bushland by her ex-boyfriend.

The grief for Emily Thompson, who had not even graduated high school when she was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend, has reached the Toowoomba community.

The young Petrie woman was laid to rest in Burpengary this week as loved ones filed into her funeral service with sunflowers in hand.

More than 150 km away, the city honoured the former Pine Rivers State High School student on Friday with more flowers at a Red Rose Rally hosted by the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) which provide support to individuals impacted by domestic violence and perpetrators.

Red Rose rally for Emily Thompson in Toowoomba. Friday, November 4, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Community service worker Michelle Burrows, who attended the rally on Friday, said she had dealt with women in DV situations through her line of work.

“I personally have known a lot of women who would have been Emily … it’s sad it’s someone so young,” Ms Burrows said.

As a mother to two young boys aged five and seven, Ms Burrows said she would be raising them to be respectful.

“I want them to be the kind of men to call something out and be in touch with their emotions and express them in ways that are healthy and safe for themselves and the people they love.”

Kath Turley, DVAC at the Red Rose rally for Emily Thompson in Toowoomba. Friday, November 4, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Service manager for DVAC Toowoomba Kath Turley said when cases like Emily’s occurred, she sees an increase in people reaching out.

“It’s really tragic that such a young person who was just starting out in life has been taken,” Ms Turley said.

“When it becomes very much public there’s some people then that stop and think about what’s happening in their relationship.”

In the past 12 months more than 9000 people have sought out help across the Toowoomba and Ipswich branches.

(from left) Matty Wright, Texas Edwards, Emma Edwards and Kyden Lee at the Red Rose rally for Emily Thompson in Toowoomba. Friday, November 4, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Bill Gorringe attends the Red Rose rally for Emily Thompson in Toowoomba. Friday, November 4, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Bringing DV to public consciousness is crucial to fighting one of the most common forms of homicide in Australia, Ms Turley said.

“Domestic violence has been swept under the carpet or it’s been hidden behind closed doors, which is how domestic violence continues to happen within families because it is so hidden,” she said.

“It starts with gender inequality, and it starts with sexist jokes, it starts with the initial behaviours we see where women are devalued.”

If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, you can reach out to the following DVAC numbers.

DV victims – 4642 1354

DV perpetrators – 4566 2635