Silent protest loud and clear

Unlike other marches which are often loud celebrations, tomorrow’s Silent March through the centre of Albany is aimed at making people stop and think about domestic violence and its impact.

The annual march is held to honour and remember women and children who have lost their lives as a result of domestic homicide.

This year’s theme “our silence is deafening” urges people to not be silent about violence at home.

According to AnglicareWA, on average one woman a week is murdered by her partner and one in four women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner in WA.

Team leader AnglicareWA Es-Mare Van Wyk said that each year there are approxi-mately 1600 reported incidents of family violence in the Great Southern, but it is understood that 80 per cent of this family domestic violence goes unreported.

“We want to raise awareness of what is happening in the community and to encourage people to speak out when they see family and domestic violence; to call and report it to police; and to possibly save someone’s life,” she said.

“This is a human rights issue that needs more attention, awareness and focus so we can live violence free.

“We want people to walk away from the day and know they have a part to play in ending gender-based violence.”

She said that the whole community needs to speak out and get behind the cause to address it.

“This is a human rights issue that needs the whole community’s commitment.”

The silent march will be held this Friday from 11.15pm to 12.30pm.

People are asked to assemble at the Anzac Peace Park to walk to the Albany Town Square for speeches.