SAC hosts inaugural candlelit vigil to honour and give hope on National Family Violence Remembrance Day
The event, hosted by the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, is the first of its kind in Albany and mimics the Perth event held each year on May 7 to mark National Family Violence Remembrance Day.
SAC chief executive Asha Bhat said she hoped the vigil served as an expression of collective grief, compassion and responsibility.
'Each candle lit tells a story,' she said.
'It speaks to lives lost too soon, and the urgent need to break the cycle of violence.
'Through the Family Violence Prevention Legal Service, we offer culturally safe legal support and trauma-informed counselling to Aboriginal women and children.
'We walk alongside them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
'This vigil is about honouring those we've lost, standing with those who survive, and recommitting to the work we must do — together — to ensure women and children can live free from fear.'
Pamela Watts, who is a trauma counsellor for the SAC-backed FVPLS, said the vigil offered a 'deeply needed' moment of reflection.
'Family and domestic violence touches every corner of our society,' she said.
'It leaves behind silence, pain and sorrow.
'But when we gather like this, we create space to remember, to support and to say 'enough'.
'These candles are more than light — they are symbols of healing, love, strength and a future we must keep working for.'
The vigil will be held at Alison Hartman Gardens at 6pm on May 7.
Attendees are asked to bring battery-operated candles or tealights as no naked flames are permitted.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
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