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What is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month?

The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is an annual event held each May to raise community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected. The key aims of the month are to:

  • raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and its impacts;
  • promote a clear message of no tolerance of domestic and family violence in communities;
  • ensure those who are experiencing domestic and family violence know how to access help and support;
  • encourage people who use abuse and/or violence to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and seek support to change.

Candlelight Vigil | May 7

As part of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month, a special candle lighting ceremony is held each year on the first Wednesday in May to remember those who have died and the ones left behind due to domestic and family violence. This year, Domestic Violence Remembrance Day falls on Wednesday 7 May.

Candlelight Vigil Toolkit 2025

Gippsland Women’s Health are excited to launch the Candlelight Vigil 2025 Toolkit! 

Flip through the toolkit below or download a copy here.

 

Read the Toolkit Now!

Gippsland Events + Candlelight Vigils

Bass Coast

Wednesday 7th May:

6:30pm | Candlelight Vigil
Cowes Foreshore, Cowes
By: Change For Sam

All are welcome!

Baw Baw

Wednesday 7th May:

6pm | Candlelight Vigil
West Gippsland Arts Centre Forecourt, Warragul
By: Baw Baw Shire Council

Everyone is welcome to attend

Notes: There will be a limited number of electronic candles available for use, people are welcome to bring their own (In the event of inclement weather the event will be moved inside the Arts Centre Foyer where only electronic candles are permitted for use).

Contact:
Connected Communities – Baw Baw Shire Council
Phone: 1300 229 299
Email: connected.communities@bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

Latrobe City 

Wednesday 7th May:

6:30pm | Candlelight Vigil
Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC)

By: Latrobe City Council 

Everyone is welcome to attend

GPAC and Chruchill monument will also be lit up in purple 

South Gippsland 

Wednesday 7th May:

6:30pm – 7.30pm | Candlelight Vigil
Small Pocket Park (next to Memorial Hall), Leongatha
By: South Gippsland Shire Council

Candles will be provided to all attendees 

Wellington

Wednesday 7th May:

5:30pm | Candlelight Vigil
Sale Clocktower – Pedestrian Mall, Sale
By: Wellington Shire Council

Please bring your own candle, small torch or feel free to use a phone torch.

Online

Wednesday 9th April:

11am – 11:30am | Are You Safe At Home? Day – Information Session
Online Webinar, Zoom
By: Safe + Equal
Register Here

Thursday 10th April:

10am – 11am | Candlelight Vigil – Information Session
Online – Microsoft Teams
By: Gippsland Women’s Health
Register Here

 

Are You Safe At Home Day | May 10

Are you Safe at Home? Is a national initiative developed by Safe and Equal designed to provide clear information about what to look for, what supports are available, and how to start a conversation if you’re concerned that someone you know is experiencing abuse. Resources include:

  • Social media tiles and messaging
  • Newsletter messaging
  • A video series
  • Posters
  • Conversation flow chart
  • Website
  • Free on-line short course
  • Flyers
  • Wallet cards

For more information visit: Home – Are You Safe at Home?

Partner Information

Safe Steps

Visit the Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil page to learn more about the importance of remembering victims of family and domestic violence from Safe Steps. Safe Steps is a free service for all people experiencing family and domestic violence.

Learn More
Gippsland Family Violence Alliance

Get involved with our Auspice Organisation, Gippsland Family Violence Alliance and their advocacy for better family violence support in Gippsland.

Learn More
STOP Cards

The STOP Family Violence cards and posters are a resource designed by the Gippsland Family Violence Alliance to educate the community on family violence and to direct them to support services. Order physical or downloadable STOP cards from the link below.

Learn More

Resources

Find Help

Visit the Gippsland Family Violence Alliance website for their list of service providers. In an emergency call 000.

FIND HELP

Candlelight Vigil Toolkit

Download the GWH Candlelight Toolkit below.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Social Media Tile

Download the social media tile to show your support online.

DOWNLOAD NOW

What is Family Violence?

Learn more about what is family violence from the Gippsland Family Violence Alliance.

LEARN MORE

What is Coercive Control?

Learn more about what is coercive control from the Relationships Australia.

LEARN MORE

Are You Safe At Home Day

Learn more about the Are You Safe At Home Day which falls on May 10.

LEARN MORE

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Sale, VIC 3850

admin@gwhealth.asn.au

1800 805 448

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Gippsland Women’s Health acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners of Country and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the Gunaikurnai and Bunurong as the Traditional Owners of the land and waters now known as Gippsland and acknowledge that they have never ceded sovereignty.

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