This National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day, come together with Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre and communities throughout Victoria to light a candle and honour the memory of those lost as a result of domestic or family violence.

Over the past 10 years in Australia, an average of one woman a week has been killed in the context of family violence*. The Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil provides a space for people to come together to grieve, 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 are not always physical. The Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil is a call to action to speak up, lift the veil of silence that surrounds domestic and family violence, and reach out if you or someone you know needs support.

The Candlelight Vigil 2024 coincides with National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day, observed on the 1st Wednesday in May, as part of National Domestic Violence Prevention Month. This month-long initiative aims to raise awareness of the profound social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence, while also emphasising the importance of community support for those affected. Together, we strive to promote a message of zero tolerance towards domestic and family violence, ensuring that individuals in need know how to access vital support services.

Other ways you can show your support

Host a local event or vigil and light up your building in purple

Please email fundraising@safesteps.org.au for a partner tool kit.

Share a video or image on socials with a message of support

Share why you're lighting a candle or who you are lighting a candle for.

Include hashtag #LightACandle2024  and/or additional hashtags #Vigil2024, #WeRememberYou, #NeverForgotten, #endDV

Purchase a purple ribbon

Contact fundraising@safesteps.org.au for more information.

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.

We will have specialist counsellors available for support and debriefing.

If you are experiencing family violence, please contact Safe Steps on 1800 015 188, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

You can contact 1800RESPECT any time of the night or day for counselling and support on 1800 737 732.

If you are in immediate danger, please contact police on 000.

For general event enquiries, please contact fundraising@safesteps.org.au.

* Australian Institute of Criminology 'Homicide in Australia 2018-19