The Commissioner calls for unity and action to address the ongoing crisis, emphasising the importance of collaboration across communities, organisations and governments to create a safer future for all.
The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner, Micaela Cronin, will deliver opening remarks at a solemn vigil to honour the 871 women who lost their lives to gender-based violence in 2024.
The event, organised by Pay Our Respects, will be held outside the South Australian Parliament in Adelaide on Saturday, 18 January. It will bring together people with lived experience, families, parliamentarians, sector leaders and community members in a collective moment of remembrance and a call for urgent action to end gender-based violence.
Commissioner Cronin commended Pay Our Respects founders, Gillian Lewis and Stacey Nelan, for their leadership in organising the vigil.
Commissioner Cronin emphasised the importance of coming together to remember those lost and strengthen collective efforts to prevent future tragedies.
“Each of the women lost was a mother, sister, daughter and friend. Their lives were cut short by gender-based violence, and we honour their memory at this vigil. Their deaths are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of this crisis and the urgent need for action.
“We know, however, that these numbers do not fully reflect the extent of the harm. Many more women and children are living with the ongoing impacts of domestic, family, and sexual violence every day. Research shows that publicly available data underestimates the true scale of the issue.
“This vigil is a moment of reflection and solidarity, but it must also be a catalyst for change. Ending gender-based violence requires action from all of us—governments, organisations, and communities working together to build a future where everyone is safe.” Commissioner Cronin said.
The vigil will provide a space for remembrance, healing, and renewed commitment to addressing
gender-based violence in Australia.
Media contact
Talib Haider
+61 437 441 570
media@dfsvc.gov.au
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, just safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.
1 The DFSV Commission acknowledges that there are a range of approaches and mechanisms for counting domestic
and family-violence related deaths; 87 is the number used for this particular vigil.
