WITH candles in hand and hearts heavy with a mixture of grief and hope, the people of Ipswich have stood together in a powerful show of solidarity against domestic and family violence.
In moving scenes across the city, residents gathered not only to honour the lives lost but to declare, loud and clear, that enough is enough. From the city heart to the quiet solemnity of Robelle Domain, the community’s presence sent a resounding message: Ipswich will not stay silent.
The vigils were part of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month – a time to reflect, to remember and to demand change in the face of a national crisis.
In Australia, a woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner. Nearly two in five women have experienced violence since the age of 15.
State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the strong turnout showed growing momentum for change.
“Each and every month, we need upstanders, not bystanders – people in our community willing to stand up and say that we will not allow this violence to continue in our neighbourhoods,” Ms Mullen said.
She acknowledged significant investments at both state and federal levels, including taskforces and legal reforms, but stressed that these efforts must be matched by a shift in community attitudes.
“Yet women keep dying, and attitudes need to change,” she said. “Every single person has a role to play in building safer and more respectful communities.”
This month marks a critical milestone in Queensland, with coercive control to become a criminal offence from May 26.
The law will recognise patterns of abusive behaviour – both physical and non-physical – used to isolate, threaten or control a partner, with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
“We hope this will make a difference and give hope to those living under these horrific conditions,” Ms Mullen said.
“But there is always more we can do because the statistics are terrifying and this is a national crisis.”
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann praised the Ipswich community for its strong presence and support.
He pointed to the Albanese Government’s $4.7 billion national plan to address gender-based violence, announced in September, which includes expanded legal aid, improved support services, and intervention programs targeting high-risk perpetrators.
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the events were a testament to the community’s determination to honour victims while working towards lasting change.
“Preventing and ending domestic and family violence is everyone’s business,” he said.
