On May 31, 2024 the Wesley Uniting Church in Castle Hill hosted a Candlelight Vigil, marking the conclusion of a series of Domestic and Family Violence events in The Hills for Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month.
A safe, quiet space was provided for members of the community to come together to reflect and to light a candle in remembrance, honouring those we have lost, those who have suffered, and those who continue to endure the impacts of domestic and family violence.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2023, the prevalence of domestic and family violence remains alarmingly high, with 1 in 4 women (27%) and 1 in 8 men (12%) experiencing violence from an intimate partner or family member since the age of 15. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for communities across New South Wales and Australia to unite in raising awareness and working towards ending domestic and family violence.
Special thanks to Bryan and Jan Mullan and Reverand Carmel Ieraci for their dedication in hosting this event and creating a space for remembrance and reflection. Together, let us continue to strive for a future free from violence, where every individual can live in safety and dignity.
