AN alarming increase in the already existing pandemic of domestic violence will be the focus of several Gawler awareness events across 16 days of action.

Promoted by the United Nations, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign that kicks off from November 25 to December 10 and will take place under the global theme: ‘Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!’

As part of the campaign, the Zonta Club of Gawler has again joined forces with the Gawler Domestic Violence Network to host a twilight vigil and remembrance service for domestic violence victims.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural vigil, Zonta president Pam Young said the event would return on Thursday, December 10 from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Gawler South Park on the corner of Adelaide Road and Fifth Street (subject to change due to COVID restrictions).

“The vigil is to remember women who have been murdered through domestic violence,” she said.

“We encourage women to come along and stand with us and share in the grief, which we did find quite memorable last year. It was quite poignant.

“Those present will have an opportunity to speak and share their own experiences and we have a remembrance and a service.

“It is non-denominational, and we may get a survivor to share her story, and police will also share some of their involvement in assisting women.”

White Ribbon ambassador Martin Kennedy welcomed the upcoming return of ‘Gawler says no to domestic violence’ banners across town.

“They are a conversation starter, especially the cross street banner. The amount of people who see the banners as they drive down Murray Street is colossal,” he said.

“The whole reason for putting the banners up is to increase awareness and educate people on what domestic violence is and to keep the conversation going.”

Mrs Young said a different message would be shared on the group’s Facebook page across each of the 16 days, and that parts of the main street will be ‘oranged’ up.

“Business cards will be placed at as many retailers that will accept them with pertinent numbers on them,” she said.

“Information fact sheets will also be available where banners are going up.

“We plan to raise as much awareness as possible and to offer support to any domestic violence victims.”

Local café a DV safe haven

GAWLER’S Poetic Justice café owner Gayle Joyce says anyone suffering domestic violence is welcome to seek shelter at her Walker Place business.

Recognising Gayle’s community connection, the Zonta Club of Gawler had organised a 16 Days of Activism event at the café on Saturday November 28, however the current COVID cluster and new restrictions may affect its occurrence.

Gayle said working in hospitality has opened her eyes to the extent of the local domestic violence issue.

“We have quite a few in this area and the greater surrounding area of Gawler that have seen it, witnessed it, been a part of it… and a lot of people supporting each other who have been through domestic violence that come through the café,” she said.

“We just want to be able to open our doors to let women know this is a safe place to come, connect with other women, share their stories and feel valued and recognise we have all been through it in some way, shape or form and some didn’t know at the time but now we can embrace each other and be united and empower each other.

“I’m also with the Playford Women’s Shed and any woman who is going through domestic violence can go to the old Para West Adult Campus gate 3 (Davoren Park) and access services and support.

“We help out with hampers and just moral support and we have lots of groups there where they can engage with other women.”

The Bunyip will provide more details on the 16 Days of Activism event in upcoming editions following COVID-19 restriction updates.