The Illawarra pays tribute at the 2023 Rose Vigil to women who were killed by an intimate partner or family member. Photo: Women Illawarra.
Michelle Glasgow will read aloud the names of 64 dead women on Monday night (25 November).
She hopes more names won’t be added to the list before then.
On average in Australia this year, every four or five days a woman has been killed by an intimate partner or family member.
That number has surged since a criminology paper published a decade ago sounded the alarm on Australia’s domestic violence crisis.
Back then the average was one dead woman each week.
“The terrifying thing is, since they began recording the statistics, the annual rate of deaths has never declined,” Michelle said.
“The rate has always been steady or on the increase. Something isn’t working.”
On Monday 25 November at McCabe Park, Women Illawarra and the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre will hold their third annual Rose Vigil, to recognise and mourn the women killed by violent men.
The vigil is a moment that honours the humanity of the murdered women; a humanity that is erased by the misogyny of men who perpetrate and accept violence against women.
Michelle fears that as our community spends more time online those toxic attitudes are intensifying.
“As we move to a technology-focussed community and have fewer face-to-face interactions, we’re seeing a real reduction in attitudes and compassion towards women and children,” she said.
“We recently had our Reclaim the Night march. It’s been run since 1995, although we’ve missed some years.
“It’s a peaceful march joined by men and women. This year at least three carloads of young men drove past and hurled disgusting verbal abuse at women.
“I’ve never heard anything like that before, it really alarmed me.”
Michelle said taking part in an action like the Rose Vigil could be profoundly healing for those who felt overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis.
It provides the opportunity to give back to organisations that are on the front line, day after day.
“These women had a name, a life, a family, a job, friends, and they’ve been murdered,” she said.
“This is our community; this is our country; these are our people. The least we can do is recognise them.”
The vigil also marks the start of the International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Women’s rights activists have observed 25 November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981.
This date was selected to honour the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo.
As part of that activism, treasurer of the Illawarra Committee on Domestic Violence Lynelle Samyways coordinates a White Ribbon Ride (motorbikes) down to the Cooee Hotel at St George’s Basin.
Lynelle said it was crucial men took ownership of their role in stopping domestic and family violence.
“It’s men who are overwhelmingly responsible for this,” she said.
“If we can save one woman by raising awareness through these events it’s worthwhile.
“Call out bad attitudes; if you hear an incident call the police; make it clear it’s not OK.”
To attend the Rose Vigil, head to McCabe Park in Wollongong at 1 pm on Monday 25 November.
If you are unable to attend but would like to support the cause, email [email protected] or call 4228 1499.
Anyone impacted by sexual, domestic or family violence can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Full Stop Australia on 1800 385 578.
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