The annual Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil in Melbourne was on May 7, while Primary Care Connect held theirs on Friday, May 23.
The event was attended by the organisation’s chief executive, senior management and staff.
The vigil provided a space for reflection as participants gathered for a minute of silence, reflecting on the loss of life across Australia that currently sees one woman murdered every four days on average, often by the hands of a current or former intimate partner.
Primary Care Connect executive manager of family services Kim Scott thanked the team, and in particular the family violence clinicians who are on the ground working tirelessly to help support victim-survivors and their children.
“From our receptionists to the team taking phone calls, to our family violence team who are helping keep women and families safe daily, thank you,” media and communications co-ordinator Shara Scott said.
“You will never know how much each and every one of you contribute to save and transform the lives of women, and by extension, potentially change the trajectory of the lives of their children.”
Primary Care Connect also introduced the organisation’s ‘Purple Tree of Hope’.
Located in the Primary Care Connect waiting area as a permanent addition, community members are invited to leave a word or message of hope on the tree.
Primary Care Connect is one of several local organisations providing family violence services and supports for victim-survivors and their children.
For more information, contact Primary Care Connect on 5823 3200.
To view Primary Care Connect family violence services, visit tinyurl.com/ycx9stce