Abby Stowell, Perth

According to the United Nations Population Report 2005, domestic violence is the biggest health risk to women in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 1996 Women’s Safety Report documents that one in four women will experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.

In the lead-up to the 16th annual silent domestic violence memorial march on April 26, which is national “Stop Domestic Violence Day”, the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services WA (WCDFVS) says that police figures show domestic violence reports have increased by 47% in WA, from an average of 32 a day in 2004 to 47 a day in 2005.

On average, 125 women are murdered each year in Australia. Domestic homicide is usually the final incident in a long history of battering of female victims.

The first memorial march was held in 1991 by a group of survivors outraged by the criminal justice system’s failure to provide protection for women and children who subsequently died as a result of domestic violence. This year’s memorial march will start with speakers from 11am in Stirling Gardens, marching off at noon. Women, men and children are invited to join the silent march.

For more information, phone the WCDFVS on (07) 9420 7264 or email <student@womenscouncil.com.au>.

From Green Left Weekly, April 26, 2006.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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