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West Gippsland Arts Centre forecourt to glow purple for victims of domestic and family violence

The West Gippsland Arts Centre forecourt will be lit up purple this Wednesday 4 May in memory of the lives of women and children lost to domestic and family violence.

By news@gippsland - 3rd May 2022 - Back to News

Gippsland has some of the highest rates of family and domestic violence in the state with women and children 39% more likely to experience family violence than anywhere else in Victoria. Baw Baw alone has seen a 29.6% increase of family violence incidents since 2019-2020. Baw Baw Shire is proud to collaborate with Gippsland Women's Health in lighting the forecourt purple to honour the memory of the victims and raise the awareness of the issue within the community.

The West Gippsland Arts Centre lights up purple, community members are encouraged to honour the victims of violence memories and help bring light to this national crisis

State-wide response service

Gippsland Women's Health is working with several groups and organisations throughout Gippsland by holding candlelight vigils and lighting up community areas to advocate and share the message within the region.

The annual Candlelight Vigil and Light It Purple event is led by Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre, Victoria's state-wide response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence. They support family violence survivors to overcome trauma so they can thrive in their communities and live free from violence. Visit Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre for more information

Raising awareness

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "Council is proud to work alongside Gippsland Women's Heath to light up the Arts Centre Forecourt purple in recognition of the victims of domestic and family violence. We value and acknowledge the crucial work of Gippsland Women's Health and Safe Steps in supporting and raising awareness of this national crisis as we all work towards a safer Baw Baw Shire and Gippsland region for all."

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com