Safe Steps is set to host its annual Candlelight Vigil and is calling on all Victorians to stand together as they honour the lives lost to family and domestic violence.
The event will take place on Family Violence Remembrance Day (Wednesday 7 May) at the Family Violence Memorial Garden in Melbourne.
Safe Steps, Victoria’s only 24/7 support service for victim-survivors of Domestic Family Violence (DFV), stressed the significance of holding such events to raise awareness on the issue.
The support service noted in a press released that so far in 2025, 12 women and five children have been killed in acts of family violence.
Since June 2024, 66 lives have been lost across Australia and incidents in Victoria have reached an all-time high, rising 9.5 per cent in the past year.
The support service noted that 28 per cent of calls to them are from people from from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, with more than three callers requesting to speak in Greek over the past 12 months.
“Many in these communities face added barriers to seeking help, including limited local support networks, language difficulties, visa dependencies, and fear of jeopardising their residency status,” they said in their press release.
“Often, they are far from family members who might otherwise provide support, increasing their isolation and vulnerability.”
Dr Chelsea Tobin, CEO of Safe Steps, stated that domestic and family violence is still a national crisis, affecting 21 per cent of adult Australians and leaving a devastating toll on individuals, families, and communities.
The issue is seemingly not improving as, according to the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria, family incidents increased by 9.5 per cent in the last 12 months.
The family incident rate also increased, up 7.1 per cent, reaching an all-time high. This follows an 11.3 per cent surge in 2023, marking the highest reported incidents on record.
The support service highlighted that victims tend to make 7-12 attempts to leave their abuser, typically after multiple calls for help, illustrating an urgent need to raise awareness about available support services and ensure victim-survivors know where to seek help.
Safe Steps shared the story of one of thousands of Victorians they have helped in Farah Mak, who was trapped in an abusive relationship that saw her become victim to verbal abuse, gaslighting, coercive control, and relentless belittling which escalated into physical violence.
For seven years, Farah battled systemic barriers and endured repeated breaches of intervention orders.
“There’s a growing need for a judicial process that doesn’t make victims feel like they’re constantly fighting to be believed,” she said.
Farah also highlights the ripple effect of violence, especially on children who carry unseen scars.
“With the right support, like that provided by Safe Steps, survivors can transform their pain into powerful stories of healing and empowerment,” Farah said.
*If you or a person you know is experiencing family or domestic violence, reach out to Safe Steps at any time by calling 1800 015 188, emailing safesteps@safesteps.org.au or through live chat at safesteps.org.au/live-chat.
