The Victorian Government is building a family violence memorial in the heart of the city that pays tribute to victim survivors and puts their stories out into the open.
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Gabrielle Williams unveiled the final design for Victoria’s Family Violence Memorial, with work to commence shortly at St Andrews Reserve, next to Treasury Gardens.
Intended as a space for remembrance, reflection and hope, the memorial will be defined by a field of purple flowers that bloom year-round – a colour associated with the global movement to end family violence. Minister Williams said,
“This memorial will be a powerful visual statement that we will no longer allow family violence to be hidden behind closed doors and that each of us have a role to play in bringing it to an end.”
The memorial will serve as a permanent, physical reminder to those impacted by family violence – that they are seen, that they are important and that support is available to them.
Across Australia, at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner. Victoria Police respond to a family violence incident every seven minutes on average.
The Labor Government set up Australia’s first Royal Commission into Family Violence and has invested more than $2.9 billion to date to implement each of its 227 recommendations, so that victim survivors have the support they need, when and where they need it.
The partnership has also worked in close consultation with Traditional Owners and the inclusion of a smoking vessel and inscription centrally within the landscape will recognise the cultural significance of the site.
The memorial will be formed around a paved deck leading to a folded grass gathering area sheltered by a comforting English Elm. The tree is central to the design and represents the passing of time, renewal and a bright future. Jennifer Jackson, the Chair of the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council described the vision of this memorial.
“This very special place will hold their names, their stories and their memories and provide us all with a place to dream of a future free from violence.”
If you are experiencing family violence, you can contact support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week through safe steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or webchat safesteps.org.au/chat (Monday through Friday, 9am to 9pm).
Anyone concerned about their own behaviour can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
For more information or to view the designs, visit vic.gov.au/familyviolencememorial.
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