Last night, under a quiet evening sky at Kilmore District Hospital’s Rose Garden, the glow of candlelight brought warmth and reflection as the local community gathered to remember and honour the lives tragically lost to family violence.
The hospital’s historic bluestone building was illuminated in vibrant purple light – a symbol of strength, solidarity and commitment to ending the silence that so often surrounds this national emergency.
Held on National Family Violence Remembrance Day (Wednesday, 6 May) during Domestic Violence Prevention Month, the Vigil offered space for grief, hope and renewed determination. It was part of a statewide series of memorials coordinated by Safe Steps Family Violence Crisis Service.
Tania Nicholson, Director of Nursing and Site Operations states, “I am proud that Kilmore District Hospital (KDH) continues to honour Family Violence Remembrance Day through our annual Candlelight Vigil. This event holds deep significance for both our staff and the broader Kilmore community. It provides a dedicated space for reflection, remembrance, and solidarity with those impacted by family violence. Each year, the Vigil reinforces our commitment to raising awareness supporting those affected and acknowledging the impact of family violence within our community. Coming together in this way is both powerful and purposeful, ensuring that lives lost are remembered, stories are acknowledged and hope for change remains visible.”
For six years, KDH has stood with others across the state in this powerful act of remembrance.
Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence Program Manager, says, “Family violence is a serious health issue that has a profound impact on the physical and psychological well-being of victim-survivors. The hospital system is a critical entry point for many victim-survivors, presenting a vital opportunity for identification, response and referral.”
“At Northern Health, we receive family violence disclosures from our patients each and every day. In order to provide the best possible patient care, we have implemented a whole-of-hospital response where all of our staff members and volunteers have family violence practice responsibilities. We remain committed to strengthening our response by continuing to build on our knowledge and skills, to ensure we provide the highest standard of trauma-informed care”.
Each year, the Vigil grows in resonance, not just as a memorial, but as a call to action. Stories shared on the night serve as reminders of the people behind the statistics – individuals whose lives were tragically cut short or forever changed.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager Regula McKinlay, said, “KDH hosts the Vigil each year as an evening of remembrance to honour the memories and help bring light to this national crisis by lighting a candle and illuminating the heritage hospital building in purple. The space created at the Vigil invites staff and community members to grieve and connect in sharing their own story of how they have been touched by the lives lost. It is a powerful and healing time experienced collectively.”
Tanya reminds staff to use the Family Violence Screening & Identification Tool when working with a patient at risk of family violence. The Tool is trauma-informed and best practice in identifying and responding to family violence.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing family violence, there is support and safety available:
Support Services:
- Safe Steps (24/7): 1800 151 188
- The Orange Door: 1800 319 355
- 1800 RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
- Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367
- inTouch: 1800 755 988
- Disclose to your health professional to receive support and safety.
Together, as health professionals and as a community, we can help prevent further loss, break cycles of violence and ensure every person feels seen, supported and safe.
Pictured in featured image: Northern Health staff members Tanya Ellis, Regi McKinlay (ANUM) and Mel Riseley (Maternity Unit Manager) with members of the community.