LOCALS united in a Gawler South park last Thursday to remember victims slain by domestic violence and encourage those who may be suffering to seek safety.

Hosted by the Zonta Club of Gawler, the Gawler Domestic Violence Network Twilight Vigil and Remembrance Service returned for a second year to honour those who “should still be here” as part of 16 Days of Activism.

Club president Pam Young spoke to a 50-plus crowd about soaring figures caused by the global pandemic.

“I know recently you have been reading of what COVID has done to the statistics of domestic violence and our local region is no exception,” she said.

“I am hearing conversations around staff from other divisions being seconded to the domestic violence division struggling to cope… so an event like this where we remember the women who have been murdered through DV is highly important and we really appreciate your support.”

Gawler Zonta Club’s Sandra Sullivan provided an address during the vigil to pay respects to the women “no longer with us”.

“Innocent women who have been forcibly and violently murdered, taken from their families and communities as a result of family violence – that is why we are here today,” she said.

“These women and children usually suffer dreadfully due to the violence inflicted on them often for years before their lives are ended.

“Many try desperately to escape from their horrible situations only to be forcibly stopped from leaving…

“Family violence is perpetrated namely but not only by men who are either current or past partners or family members.

“The statistics around how many women die each year due to family violence is not 100 per cent clear, but it remains one woman per week loses her life.”

A brave DV survivor shared her experience with the crowd before Mrs Sullivan read a powerful poem by Paulette Kelly ‘I got flowers today’.

The ringing sound of nearby church bells echoed across the park as the vigil’s attendees paused in memory of those murdered.

“We will not tolerate or continue to ignore the behaviour of those who choose to abuse, coerce, threaten, intimidate, isolate and murder in the name of love,” Mrs Sullivan said.

“Today we take the time to remember those who should still be here with us as valued members of the community.

“The issue of family violence still has a presence in society and more work needs to be done until we reach the goal of zero deaths.

“Working as a team of dedicated people, we can help keep the memories of those murdered victims alive and continue to work towards helping those who desperately need our help.”

Meanwhile, local DV awareness continued on Walker Place Saturday morning as locals shared in a “cup of kindness” at Gawler’s Poetic Justice café.

Armed in orange, volunteers disseminated vital DV information and merchandise to passers-by and held frank conversations as part of the cause.