‘None of us should have to live in the fear that we do’: Hundreds gather to say No More to DV at Parliament House

Hundreds have gathered in Adelaide to demand action against domestic violence claiming it’s a ‘national emergency’.

Hundreds of men and women from all walks of life have gathered at Parliament House on Saturday to take a stand against domestic violence towards women.

The gathering was part of a nationwide protest.

The rally began with a minute of silence for the 32 women killed in Australia this year - a rate of one death every four days - which advocates described as a “national emergency.”

Courtney Hunter-Hebberman gave a passionate speech in honour of her late daughter Rose who was found dead in the back of a shed in Adelaide’s south in 2019, calling for action.

“None of us should have to live in the fear that we do,” she said.

“We shouldn’t have to fear walking down the streets. We shouldn’t have to sit there with weapons.

“We shouldn’t have to have bars on our windows like we’re in prison in our own homes when these are criminal offences and the state needs to be responsible for the violence it has created.”

Courtney Hunter-Hebberman spoke in honour of her daughter Rose. Picture Dean Martin

Rose Hunter-Hebberman was only 19-years-old. Picture: Supplied by family

A Peramangk and Ngarrindjeri woman, she said more is needed to be done to protect First Nations women who are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised and six times more likely to die from domestic violence than non-Indigenous women.

“First Nations women here in this country are 15 times greater than any other race in the world to experience violence and death,” she said.

“Since I was born, I’ve been bashed up, I’ve been stabbed, I’ve been run over, I’ve been raped, I’ve been tried to be murdered - not a single charge has been laid.

“Something has to change here. How are we living in 2024 and we are still living like it’s the 1800s, the 1900s all over again?”

(R) Tammy Simpson, mother of murder victim, Eden Kennett, gave an impassioned speech. Picture Dean Martin

Tammy Simpson, whose daughter Eden Kennett was killed by her partner in Mount Gambier in 2018, said education was key to breaking the cycle.

“I’m a survivor of domestic violence and childhood sexual abuse. I’m here today because my daughter, Eden Kennett, was murdered by her boyfriend,” she said.

“Eden was number 67 out of 69 women in 2018 to be killed by violence, Eden was 25 years old.

“We need to try and make change. Change our behaviours, change our laws against violence. “Education from an early age promoting self worth, anger management and respecting boundaries etc is important.

“Let’s change the perception that abuse and violence is acceptable, enough is enough.”

Various speakers addressed a large crowd from the steps of Parliament House. Picture Dean Martin

Organised by NSW-based advocacy group What Were You Wearing, the rally was one of 17 held across the country as part of the “No More” movement over the weekend.

Adelaide rally co-organiser Jamie Bucirde, 28, from Parkside, said it was amazing to see so many show their support.

“It’s really amazing to see everyone show up for such an important cause,” she said.

“This is an epidemic of violence against women [ …] I’ve had to change my speech twice, because two extra women were murdered since yesterday.

“As a woman myself, I’m in a state of mourning, I don’t feel safe. 32 murders are too many murders and we need some serious, serious reform.”

Jasmin Wittham with her sign at Saturday’s rally. Picture: Dean Martin

Rally attendee Emily on the steps of Parliament House. Picture Dean Martin

Unley woman Jasmin Wittham, 29, attended the rally with a sign illustrating the number of lives lost, captioned: Each one of these women has a story. Each one of these women will be missed.

“They’re people, each one of them has their humanity,” she said.

“Like many I’ve got my own lived experience and have lost people so that’s why I’m here.”

Originally published as ‘None of us should have to live in the fear that we do’: Hundreds gather to say No More to DV at Parliament House