May 8, 2025“Let me take a small step, to get the help I need. It must be out there, let me plant the first seed” – Sue Ellson.
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 the lives tragically lost to family and domestic violence.
The hospital’s historic bluestone building was awash in 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, 7 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, Victoria’s family violence crisis service.
For five years, Kilmore District Hospital (KDH) has stood with others across the state in this powerful act of remembrance.
Nurse Educator and Associate Nurse Unit Manager Regula ‘Regi’ McKinlay, one of the organisers, said, “For the last five years, KDH has joined the Safe Steps evening of reflection and 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 Candlelight Vigil invites staff and community members to remember, grieve and connect in sharing their own story of how they have been touched by the lives lost due to family violence. It is a powerful and healing time experienced collectively.”
Each year, the vigil grows in resonance, not just as a memorial, but as a call to action. Stories shared on the night served as reminders of the people behind the statistics – individuals whose lives were forever changed or cut short.
Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Responses to Family Violence (SHRFV) Program Manager, says, “Family violence is a serious health issue that has a profound impact on the psychological and physical well-being of victim survivors. The hospital system is a critical entry point for many victim survivors, which presents an opportunity for identification, response and referral.”
“At Northern Health, we all have family violence responsibilities, and we have introduced mandatory training for all staff members and volunteers. It is a significant achievement that our workforce has completed the Family Violence MARAM Mandatory Training. However, to further strengthen our response to family violence we continue to build on our knowledge and skills in this area to ensure we provide the highest standard trauma-informed care to our patients”.
Tanya reminds staff to please ensure to use the Family Violence MARAM 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. The Tool is located on PROMT and EMR.
Amanda Dashwood, Specialist Family Violence Advisor in the Mental Health Division, would like to remind attendees of the legislative backing in place, “Family violence is not just a social issue — it’s a breach of fundamental human rights. Under the Family Violence Protection Act and the MARAM Framework, we have a duty to screen and respond with care and consistency.”
The statistics are harrowing:
- So far in 2025, 23 Australian women have been killed – many as a result of male violence. Seven of these deaths occurred in just one week.
- In 2024, 78 women lost their lives to gender-based violence — an average of one every four days.
- Police in Victoria respond to a family violence incident every six minutes.
- 30% of these incidents involve children witnessing the trauma.
- Aboriginal women are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence compared to non-Indigenous women.
- In 2023–24, more than a quarter of people seeking homelessness services did so because of domestic violence.
If someone you know may be experiencing family violence, here’s how you can help:
- Let them know you’re there. Even if they’re not ready to talk, your presence matters.
- Listen without judgement. Believe them. Never place blame.
- Check in regularly. Continue to offer support without pressure.
- Share resources. In emergencies, call 000. Provide contacts for professional help.
Training and Support Available
Tanya says, “Family violence definitely does not discriminate. On National Family Violence Remembrance Day, it is important to highlight that our staff members and volunteers also experience violence in their personal lives. The SHRFV Program and the OHS & Wellbeing Team have worked together to establish the Family Violence Workplace Support Program. The program is designed to identify, respond to and support our staff members at risk of family violence. Family Violence Contact Officers (FVCOs) have been implemented in People & Culture. FVCOs are designated senior staff members specifically trained to identify and respond to family violence in the workplace”. FVCOs can be contacted on 8405 8034 or via email: nh–familyviolencecontactofficer@nh.org.au.
Key Services:
- Safe Steps (24/7): 1800 151 188
- The Orange Door: 1800 319 355
- 1800 RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732
Together, as health professionals and as a community, we can help prevent further loss, break cycles of violence, and ensure every person feels safe, seen, and supported.
