Community Vigil to Honour all Victims of Family and Gender-based Violence

Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with her children, family, friends, local community and all who knew and loved her.

Working across the women’s health, family and sexual violence sector we also acknowledge the deeply felt impacts that such a tragic loss has on individuals and the community.

We also understand the need for the community during times like this, to be able to gather, reflect and support each other as we process the layered feelings of grief and disbelief that another life has been taken under entirely preventable circumstances.

In light of this, we are asking the Bendigo community to join us for a community vigil to honour Logee Osias and all women and children who have lost their lives this year as a result of gendered violence.

So far this year 43 women have lost their lives to violence. On average in Australia more than one woman a week and one child a fortnight dies as a result of family and gendered violence.

These statistics are even more sobering because we know these deaths are preventable. To use violence is a choice. Family and gendered violence is prevalent in our community. It does not discriminate: it exists in every community, in every suburb, in every town or city.

As a community, we have an opportunity to come together and ask for real social change that will see women, children and diverse communities live in safety.

As specialised support services working in the Loddon region, we are striving through our work to achieve gender and social equality in a violence free world, and we are asking our community to join us in this journey.

The community vigil will take place on the Rosalind Park Conservatory Lawns (opposite Grill’d), Pall Mall, Bendigo this coming Thursday, 2 November from 5.15pm to 6.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

The community vigil is supported by the following organisations:

• Centre for Non-Violence
• Centre Against Sexual Assault, Central Victoria
• Women’s Health Loddon Mallee
• Annie North Women’s Refuge

Guest speakers from these organisations will provide an informed and reflective space for attendees.

Specialised on the ground support staff will also be available to help guide any members of the public who are seeking further support to access our services.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge the strength and resilience of survivors of family violence. Family violence is a structural and social issue that significantly impacts women and children, families and communities. We recognise the courage of individuals who have experienced family violence, along with the dedicated workers responding to family violence.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing family violence, or you are concerned about your behaviour towards your family, please reach out, we’re here to help.

In any emergency call: 000

Centre for Non-Violence: (Free Call) 1800 884 292

The Orange Door Loddon: (Free Call) 1800 512 359

Safe Steps: (24/7 Statewide Service) 1800 015 188

Centre Against Sexual Assault Central Victoria: (03) 5441 0431

End of Statement.