Albany residents and workers gather for solemn National Family Violence Remembrance Day candlelight vigil

West Australian

14-05-2025

Southern Aboriginal Corporation hosted its inaugural candlelight vigil at Alison Hartman Gardens last week to mark National Family Violence Remembrance Day, drawing a crowd to honour survivors.
Candles were lit and placed around the perimeter of the gardens on the night of May 7, as about 70 people gathered in the fading light in the middle of Albany to honour both survivors and those who have lost their lives to violence.
Albany residents of all ages attended, as well as representatives of the region's support workers, agencies and police force.
National Family Violence Remembrance Day is held annually during domestic violence prevention month and aims to remember those who have lost their lives to family and domestic violence, raise awareness of the issue around the country, and acknowledge people within communities who work to support survivors.
Southern Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer Asha Bhat said attendees were reminded of the 'deep and ongoing impact' of family violence.
'There was a deep sense of reflection and unity,' she said.
'It was a solemn and emotional gathering, but also one filled with compassion and quiet strength.
'You could feel the shared understanding in the silence — people came with open hearts to honour those we've lost and to stand with those still living with the impacts of family and domestic violence.'
She said the gathering was also a call to action to speak out about violence, hear survivors' stories with compassion, and to continue working for a world without domestic violence.
'Creating a moment of public acknowledgement is powerful,' she said.
'It sends the message that we see them, we hear them, and we're committed to change.
'Our hope is that this gathering encouraged greater empathy, awareness and a shared responsibility to prevent violence in all its forms.'