Over 1000 turn out to Walk Against Family Violence in 2025

In its 13th year, the Greater Dandenong City Council Walk Against Family Violence attracted more than 1000 people united by the cause.

Community members turned out from many walks of life, including those with lived experience of family violence, as well as representatives from Victoria Police, support agencies, faith leaders, Members of Parliament, Councillors and Council staff.

Upon arriving at Harmony Square, the crowd heard from inspirational survivor and advocate, Elvis Martin. Elvis spoke bravely of his experience coming out about his sexuality to his family, from a home country where being gay is punishable by death.

"Events like this matter, not because they are symbolic but because they save lives. We are not here just to walk, we are here to speak truth, we are here to listen, and we are here to change the outcomes," Elvis said, powerfully.

And the walk did change outcomes. Greater Dandenong City Council Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Weatherill said the event had resulted in people connecting to the
services they needed.

"Changing one life means this walk was a success and I know everyone there on Tuesday will do everything they can to support Greater Dandenong residents living with
the devastating impacts of family violence," Ms Weatherill said.

"We all want to live in a community where people feel safe and protected in their family homes."

Greater Dandenong Mayor, Councillor Sophie Tan, reinforced why advocacy, prevention, education and awareness are so important to Council.

"Family violence is a widespread social challenge affecting families from all backgrounds. The scale of these impacts is so very significant, they are heartbreaking
and very often long-term," Cr Tan said.

"The outcomes of the walk… connecting people to services, proves to us that even small steps towards change do have a significant positive impact for affected families."

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that more than two million Australians have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous partner.

In the year to November 2025, Council invested $553,000 in grants to help local organisations fighting violence, including:

• Al-Hussein Arabic School Inc.: Empowerment and Integration for ArabicAustralian Women and Families
• Wellsprings for Women Incorporated: Migrant Women's Safety: Intensifying Efforts to Prevent Technology Facilitated Abuse
• South-East Monash Legal Service Inc: Mothers Legal Help (MLH)
• Afghan Women's Organisation Victoria Inc.: Ashiana: Afghan Women's Organisation Victoria Community Hub
• Bakhtar Community Organisation Inc.: Bakhtar Refugee Resettlement & Afghan Women Empowerment Process
• Maroulla Radisavic (Individual Artist): Crochet Creations-Threads and yarns
• Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres: direct support, referrals, or community engagement for those experiencing family violence.

The Walk Against Family Violence was held on White Ribbon Day (November 25) as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence which runs until December
10.

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, there is help available, visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/family-violence/help-and-support-family-violence.

In emergencies call 000.