The Redlands Coast community is invited to join a special Candle Lighting Vigil in Cleveland on Wednesday 6 May to show support for victims of domestic and family violence.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the annual ceremony would again coincide with other vigils across the state to mark the start of Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month.
The ceremony will be held at Raby Bay Harbour Park in Cleveland, beginning at 5.30pm.
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“The candle lighting vigil is a truly respectful opportunity for our community to come together and express support for those who have been impacted by domestic and family violence,” the Mayor said.
“It’s also an opportunity to send a message to the wider community that domestic and family violence should not be tolerated in our society.
“Holding a candle is a way of remembering those who have lost their lives while also acknowledging the victim survivors of these terrible crimes.
“The more we support these events, the greater the attention and awareness directed towards this issue.
“It is important that as a community we stand against violent behaviour and continue to encourage values of respect, kindness and decency in all aspects of life.”
The Mayor said there was still significant progress to be made towards eliminating DFV in Australia, with recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing that domestic and family violence-related offences were increasing.
“Rising statistics demonstrate why we need to continue bringing awareness to the impacts of DFV, including through avenues such as the candle lighting vigil,” the Mayor said.
“We need to call it out clearly and collectively. We need to lead by example so we can work towards a future where everyone is respected, and where individuals and families feel safe.
“I invite all Redlanders to join the vigil and stand in solidarity with the people in our community who have been impacted.”
The Redlands Coast Candle Lighting Vigil is presented by Redland City Council in partnership with The Centre for Women & Co and the Red Rose Foundation.
There is also an optional ‘Walk the Talk’ walk being held prior to the ceremony, hosted by Zonta Club of Wynnum Redland and Soroptimist International Bayside.
The group will form at Kyling Corner (corner of Waterloo and Middle streets, Cleveland) from 4.45pm and walk as a united group to the Candle Lighting Vigil at Raby Bay Harbour Park.
As part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Council has also partnered with Lifeline to deliver a free DV-alert session in Capalaba on Thursday 14 May.
The workshop will explore the complexities of domestic and family violence, guiding participants in how to recognise the signs of DFV, respond safely and refer effectively.
The free workshop will be held at Redland Community Centre (29 Loraine Street, Capalaba) from 9.30am to 11.30am and is open to people over the age of 18.
Bookings are essential and can be made via the DV-alert website.
Council reminds the community that if you are feeling unsafe in your relationship, you can seek confidential advice from the following services:
- DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811, 24 hours, seven days a week
- DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636, from 9am to midnight, seven days a week.
If you are in a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000) to seek assistance right away.
For more information on the Redlands Coast Candle Lighting Vigil, visit Council’s website.
