A family violence memorial is being built in the heart of Melbourne city paying tribute to victim survivors and putting their stories into the open.
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams unveiled the final design for Victoria’s Family Violence Memorial, with work to commence shortly at St Andrews Reserve, next to Treasury Gardens.
Intended as a space for remembrance, reflection and hope, the memorial will be defined by a field of purple flowers that bloom year-round – a colour associated with the global movement to end family violence.
Ms Williams said the memorial will serve as a permanent, physical reminder to those impacted by family violence – that they are seen, that they are important and that support is available to them.
“This memorial will be a powerful visual statement that we will no longer allow family violence to be hidden behind closed doors and that each of us have a role to play in bringing it to an end,” Ms Williams said.
She said that across Australia, at least one woman a week was killed by a partner or former partner with Victoria Police responding to a family violence incident every seven minutes on average.
She said the Victorian Government had set up Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence and was implementing each of its 227 recommendations, so that victim survivors had the support they needed, when and where they needed it.
She said the partnership had also worked in close consultation with Traditional Owners and the inclusion of a smoking vessel and inscription centrally within the landscape would recognise the cultural significance of the site.
Ms Williams said the memorial will be formed around a paved deck leading to a folded grass gathering area sheltered by a comforting English Elm.
She said the tree was central to the design, representing the passing of time, renewal and a bright future.
Then designs of the memorial, with additional extra information, can be accessed at this PS News link.
Readers experiencing family violence are advised to contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188, [email protected] or by webchat at safesteps.org.au/chat.
A Men’s Referral Service is also available on 1300 766 491 to assist those who may think they need help.
