On Wednesday 3rd May 2023, people across Australia will light a candle to remember those who have been killed by domestic and family violence. By joining this evening of reflection and remembrance, we honour their memories and help bring light to this national crisis.

Over the past 10 years in Australia, one woman has been killed nearly every week and one child killed each fortnight in the context of domestic and family violence. The Candlelight Vigil provides a space for people to come together to grieve for them, share messages of hope, and ensure that we never forget the people behind the statistics.

Domestic and family violence affects people from all walks of life and includes many forms of abuse and violence that is not always physical.

The Vigil is also a call to action to speak up, lifting the veil of silence that surrounds domestic and family violence, and reach out for support if experiencing, or perpetrating violence.

We will have specialist counsellors available for support and debriefing.

Other ways you can show your support:

Host a local event or vigil

Share a video or message on your social media:

Post a message or video on social media about why you are lighting a candle or who you are lighting a candle for

Please include the hashtag #LightACandle2023 and or additional hashtags #Vigil2023, #WeRememberYou, #NeverForgotten, #endDV

Please note:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the Vigil may contain images or stories of people who have passed away.

It will also contain stories of domestic and family abuse, which may be triggering for some participants.

In an emergency, or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police now on 000.

24-hour helplines

If it’s not an emergency and you need support, you can call these numbers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are assisting someone who does not speak English, first call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50. They can connect you with the service of your choice and interpret for you.

1800RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service: a national telephone and online counselling and referral service. Phone: 1800 737 732.
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides support for women, with or without children, who are experiencing family and domestic violence in Western Australia (including referrals to women’s refuges). Phone: 1800 007 339.
Crisis Care: provides Western Australia’s after-hours response to reported concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing and information and referrals for people experiencing crisis. Phone: 1800 199 008.
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline: provides telephone information and referrals for men who are concerned about their violent and abusive behaviours, and for male victims of family and domestic violence in Western Australia. Phone: 1800 000 599.
MensLine Australia: 24/7 support for men and boys dealing with family and relationship difficulties. Support for men who are concerned that their behaviour is hurting the people they care about. Phone: 1300 78 99 78.
Sexual Assault Resource Centre: provides a range of free services to people affected by sexual violence. Phone: (08) 6458 1828 or free call 1800 199 888.

Contact the host of Domestic and Family Violence Candlelight Vigil 2023