Thousands of Victorians recently gathered in Melbourne to protest against gender-based violence, marching from the State Library to Federation Square. The rally was attended by Premier Jacinta Allan, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, and independent MP Dr Monique Ryan, among others. The protesters chanted “Say it once, say it again: no excuse for violent men” and held signs criticizing the system for failing to protect women from violence. Organized by What Were You Wearing, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization, the rally aimed to raise awareness about the epidemic of women dying at the hands of men.
The organizers of the rally called on the government to recognize gender-based violence as a national emergency and to take action to address the issue. They specifically called for increased funding for domestic and sexual violence services, better reporting options for victims of family violence, and a delay in media publishing photos of women who have died at the hands of men. The social media manager of What Were You Wearing, Martina Ferreta, thanked the attendees of the rally for their bravery in standing up against violence, especially at a time when many people do not feel safe in public spaces due to the threat of violence.
The rally in Melbourne was part of a series of events held across the country to remember women who have lost their lives due to domestic violence. The rate at which Australian women are being killed by men has risen significantly in recent years, with 26 women being killed in the first 114 days of 2024, equivalent to one woman being killed every 4.38 days. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for action to address the root causes of gender-based violence and to provide support for victims of abuse.
The protesters at the Melbourne rally expressed anger and frustration over the repeated failures of the system to protect women from violence. They called for a shift in societal attitudes towards violence against women and for greater accountability for perpetrators. The voices of survivors and advocates were heard loud and clear at the rally, as they demanded justice and support for those affected by gender-based violence. The symbolic march from the State Library to Federation Square served as a powerful reminder of the need for collective action to end violence against women.
The issue of gender-based violence is deeply ingrained in society and requires a multi-faceted approach to address the complex factors contributing to this violence. In addition to funding for support services and legal protections for victims, there is a need for education and awareness campaigns to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors. The rally in Melbourne was a vital step towards raising awareness about the epidemic of violence against women and mobilizing the community to take action. By coming together to denounce gender-based violence, the protesters sent a powerful message that violence against women will not be tolerated in any form.
As the rally concluded in Federation Square, the voices of the protesters echoed through the streets of Melbourne, demanding justice and accountability for victims of gender-based violence. The solidarity and determination of the attendees highlighted the strength of community support for survivors and the urgency of addressing the root causes of violence. The rally was a powerful demonstration of the collective power of individuals coming together to stand up against injustice and to demand a safer, more equitable society for all. It is clear that the fight against gender-based violence is far from over, but the rallying cry of the protesters in Melbourne is a testament to the unwavering commitment to creating a future free from violence and discrimination.
