VICTIMS of domestic and family violence will be remembered by the local community on Wednesday, during the first vigil of its kind run by a Tamworth support service.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day is usually an annual nation-wide event, but this year, it's going to be very different.
Tamworth Family Support Service (TFSS) manager Lynda Townsend said locals are encouraged to light a candle at home from 6pm to honour victims of domestic and family violence.
READ ALSO:
The Tamworth community usually acknowledges the day by holding a candle-lit vigil and laying a wreath at the memorial stone in Bicentennial Park.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions meaning the event can't go ahead, Ms Townsend said t's especially important to be aware of the issue this year.
"Prior to social isolation, some people were able to escape their home situation through attending employment, visiting family, they had those support around them," she said.
"But now, due to isolation, those supports that may typically have been in place are somewhat diminished and there is no escape."
Ms Townsend and her TFSS colleague will lay still lay a wreath at the memorial stone, but they'll do it alone.
"It's important we maintain some sort of remembrance for these victims," she said.
"We may not be able to hold the event, but we are committed to ending domestic and family violence."
The Gunnedah community can also get involved and support the memorial by lighting a candle and posting a photo on Facebook with a message of support and the hashtags #ENDDV and #DVRemembranceDay.
The Facebook event is called National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day in Gunnedah and is being run by the Gunnedah Shire Council.
Ms Townsend said May is domestic and family violence awareness month, and a purple ribbon is the symbol.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463. In an emergency call 000.