WEDNESDAY May 1 was a day of remembrance; an evening to light a candle and remember those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic and family violence.
Lija Matthews of Change for Sam and Bass Coast Shire (BCSC) community wellbeing social planner Amy Bennett co-coordinated the annual candlelight vigil held on the Jetty Triangle in Cowes.
The community gathered in light of those lost; to raise awareness, show support and keep the message at the forefront that action is vital. The community have pledged that it’s already too late, too many lives have been lost to domestic violence, and there isn’t enough funding to support women and children living in hostile environments.
Lija addressed the community to say thank you for their support, with special mention to Phillip Island and San Remo Rotary for volunteering their time with a free sausage sizzle – of which the community made generous donations towards Change for Sam.
While the women came together on the foreshore; more men were also present this year with husbands, brothers, fathers, and sons taking a stand and hearing the plea to lift the veil of silence and help stop gendered based violence.
The Change for Sam initiative led by Lija Matthews is in remembrance of her friend Samantha Fraser who lost her life as a result of domestic violence. Lija will continue to advocate for the safety of women and children and help empower them to take control of their wellbeing.
The BCSC was proud to work with Change for Sam on organising this year’s candlelight vigil at the Jetty Triangle in Cowes and Lija will continue working collectively with Ms Bennett of BCSC to educate the community on taking action against domestic or family violence with the shire taking expressions of interest for the community to attend a free Bystander Awareness training session which will help people to understand how to call out, report and diffuse inappropriate and harassing behaviour.
If you are interested in attending a training session, please email communitysupport@basscoast.vic.gov.au or if you are experiencing violence at home and are in need of a personal alert alarm visit changeforsam.com.au
