Domestic and Family Violence Prevention and Remembrance

The lights of Smithfield Street in Gympie will shine purple for the month of May for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Gympie will be showing support and joining a national movement to ‘Light Australia Purple’ to raise community awareness of Domestic Family Violence Remembrance Day, which falls on Wednesday, 3 May 2023.

The theme for the 2023 campaign - ‘it’s in our control to end coercive control’ - aims to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control, and the support services available.

Councillor Dolly Jensen described the campaign as a very important cause for the Gympie community.

“I am a proud advocate of raising awareness within the community and of the support services and tools for help available to victims of domestic and family violence,” Cr Jensen said. 

“By illuminating Smithfield Street in purple, we’re taking a stand in saying the safety of our community is important, and domestic and family violence is not okay.”

There will also be a Lantern Walk held at 5pm on Thursday, 11 May 2023 at Lake Alford to raise domestic violence awareness and remember those lost. The walk is being organised by Community Action Inc and there will be food, films and talks for the community. All are welcome to attend.

On Wednesday, 3 May 2023 people across Australia will light a candle at 6pm to remember those who have lost their lives through domestic and family violence. You can share your candlelight vigil via your socials using the hashtags: #lightacandle2023 #enddv 

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

Who to call for help?
•    In an emergency call the police on Triple Zero (000)
•    DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
•    DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
•    1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732