Locals stand up for women and rally against gendered violence
By Aaron Cordy
HOW many is enough? With 54 women killed this year alone in Australia by men at the time of writing, it is no wonder people of Greater Shepparton rallied at Victoria Park Lake last Saturday to say enough is enough and support victims of domestic violence.
Organised by Goulburn Valley Against Gendered Violence (GVAGV), the gathering met at the Lake before marching as one up Welsford Street past the police station, to the courthouse and back down Wyndham Street, stopping to leave signs and purple and orange ribbons near the corner of Sobraon Street.
Domestic violence survivor and GVAGV organiser, Lutfiye Kavci spoke passionately about her harrowing experience and the lack of help that nearly stole her life.
“Today means a lot to me because women experience domestic violence every day, and unfortunately the numbers rise every day as well,” said Lutfiye.
“It used to be one woman a week [killed due to violence] but unfortunately, at the moment, it’s about two women a week and we’re just a little bit over halfway of the year with 54 women already killed.
“What’s really disappointing is most of the cases could have been prevented. Even in my case, it could have been prevented, if the police just listened and worried a little bit for me, and others. A lot more women would be alive, or not gone through the trauma that we went through.”
For victims and survivors of domestic violence where they are often treated like criminals, shunned and ignored by authorities and shut out of public housing with nowhere to go, the system is broken and continues to fail to support them. A strong advocate in this space, Lutfiye has been working with the Victims of Crime Commissioner to help bring about real change, so no one must suffer what she went through.
“It means a lot to hold events like this and spread the word, hear our voices and prevent deadly consequences,” said Lutfiye.
