The park vigil was organised by the Canterbury Bankstown Domestic Violence Committee and Bankstown Women’s Health Centre (BWHC), with support from the council.
BWHC CEO Mariam Mourad said it was an extremely heartfelt vigil which would help bring about change.
She said they placed 60 flowers, representing women lost, in the middle of the park with attendees hearing from speakers, enjoying two touching songs and a guided meditation.
“The event certainly created awareness, with many people crying and determined to make a difference,” she said.
“One woman came up to us worried about what her daughter was going through and we did a referral for her then and there to help access support fast.”
Ms Mourad said the vigil came at the right time as December was known to be high-risk for violence due to heat and financial pressures.
“We get extra busy at this time of year but it’s important to support those suffering and send a message to others that violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” she said.
“We hope this vigil is the first of many more to come.”
Among those to attend was Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison, community leaders, councillors and social justice advocate and author of ‘The Mother Wound’, Amani Haydar.
Park vigil crowd supporting 16 Days of Activism
ALMOST 100 people (pictured) took a stand at Paul Keating Park last week to launch ’16 Days of Activism’, remembering those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.