by Emma Ballingall

"Let our light be the change" was the message to about 80 people who gathered at a candlelight vigil in Warragul to mark National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day on Wednesday night.

Standing in solidarity and hope at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, it was a powerful stand against family violence.

The crowd heard from those working on the frontlines, with Quantum family violence general manager Leslie Smith issuing a call for Baw Baw Shire to be a community "that refuses to turn away" from the national crisis.
"Believe survivors, trust their stories," Ms Smith urged. "Their voices have been silent for far too long."
"There is support, there is a way forward," she told those impacted. "There is a community to walk alongside you."
Ms Smith was one of four guest speakers who not only provided stark data on the widespread issue but ways in which each individual could help; whether they were a friend, neighbour, employer or sports club.
She was joined by Baw Baw Family Violence Investigation Unit detective acting sergeant Kate Gardner, Gippsland Centre against Sexual Assault (GCASA) chief executive officer Jane Barr and GippSport gender equity project officer Kathleen Denny as well as Baw Baw Shire mayor Danny Goss as MC.
Cr Goss said the arts centre was just one of many landmarks across Australia to turn purple to advocate for change.
Noting Gippsland had some of the highest rates of family violence across the state, his message to those impacted was "you are not alone in this fight."
Det act sgt Gardner, one of three detectives specialising in family violence in the Baw Baw police region, said police responded to 1283 family violence incidents from July 2023 to June 2024, a 34.3 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
Although the numbers were concerning, she said the small team took heart that the figures showed increased police confidence and more people seeking help.
Det act sgt Gardner said family violence was still a taboo topic and occurred behind closed doors.
She highlighted the importance of friends to be supportive if they noticed a black eye or signs of coercion; employers checking in if workers had regular and undisclosed sick leave; neighbours reporting, even anonymously, loud arguments or property being damaged; and reports to child protection or police if children had been subjected to or witnessed abuse.
For victims, det act sgt Gardner's message was "stay strong and seek help."
"Violence against women is now a national crisis," she said. "It's not just for victims to solve but the entire community."
Ms Smith said the Royal Commission delivered 227 recommendations to create a vision of a Victoria free from family violence.
However, with 18 people dying as a result of family violence this year alone, she said "we still have a really long way to go."
"We hear the heartbreak in voices, silence of those in fear," she said. "There should never be a need to survive in the first place."
"It exists in our towns, in our community, across every postcode. It does not discriminate."
Ms Smith said 10,000 incidents were reported across Gippsland in the 2023/24 year - 27 incidents every single day.
"But we know the real number is so much higher because so many people suffer in silence."
With those gathered holding a candle to honour lives lost, Ms Smith made a promise to build a safer world and "let our light be the change."
This could start with a conversation, even if uncomfortable, around equity, power, control and consent. Or donating or volunteering with local services to offer practical help, she said.
Speaking on behalf of GCASA, Ms Barr urged each person present to make a commitment "that family violence stops with me."
She described the impact of sexual assault and family violence in the community as "astronomical."
Each night in Baw Baw, Ms Barr said her Warragul-based team responded to two or three callouts to women and children in crisis. She said the impacts were long-lasting for both survivors and their loved ones.
She urged people to seek help, emphasising "we listen without judgement and we believe you."
Ms Denny told how community sport could play a vital role in modelling inclusive, welcoming and equitable spaces.
Stating "men are allies", she urged clubs to challenge their men and boys to be part of the solution through leadership.
"It doesn't happen overnight but every conversation helps," Ms Denny said.
"Speaking up safely and respectfully can change a culture. It only takes one or two people to lead or join for a culture to change."
Noting widespread support in Gippsland clubs, Ms Denny said GippSport had helped start meaningful conversations over the past 10 years via its "Orange Round" initiative.
She said other practical steps from clubs could include reflection on if all voices are represented in meetings, challenging a sexist joke or men simply stepping in to share the cleaning up load.
"Violence isn't inevitable," Ms Denny added. "We all have a role to play in making our community safer."
In an emergency always call 000
If you need support call:
1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 (24 hours); Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188 (24 hours); The Orange Door in Warragul on 1800 319 354; or GCASA 5134 3922.