AS people gathered in front of the Mount Isa Civic Centre at dusk on Friday for a domestic violence vigil, they were greeted by a row of candles around the green.
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Domestic violence centre senior worker Matt Moss explained their significance.
“Each candle represents one life lost due to domestic violence or violence towards women around Australia this year,” Mr Moss said.
“We have 30 candles and we are only in May. Hopefully we can stem that tide so we don’t sit as bad we did last year with 67 people.”
Mr Moss said it was up to individuals to report domestic violence when they saw it.
“You don’t have to separate it yourself, but you can report it,” he said.
“Talk to someone about it, let them know there is help out there and there is plenty of people willing to listen, it doesn’t have to go to police.
Mayor Joyce McCulloch said listening to Rosie Batty at the recent DV breakfast was inspiring.
“What I took away from Rosie’s delivery is that we need to change the culture,” Cr McCulloch said.
“This how Mount Isa City Council can lead by helping domestic violence support groups help change the culture.”
Mount Isa superintendent Kev Guteridge said they had made enormous inroads in recent times in dealing with domestic violence.
“The fact is part of everyday conversation in government circles is outstanding,” Superintendent Guteridge said.
“What we need to do is take it into schools, hospitals, every other public forum but most importantly into our homes in what we communicate to keep the community of Mount Isa and this nation from the scourge of family violence.”
Superintendent Guteridge said there was overwhelming evidence to suggest that those raised in homes with DV will go on to be perpetrators or victims in later life.
“Let’s stop that,” he said.
“It’s not a policing problem, it’s a community problem, let’s start by saying what can I do right now?
“Take the message away to the broader community it is our problem.
Father Mick Lowcock acknowledged those present for taking a stance and encouraged them to stand near one of the candles.
“There’s ways in which we can all make difference and make a little candle come alive, to be a light in the darkness that domestic violence brings to our city,” he said.
“We remember those who have died but we also make a commitment to bring peace into our own hearts.”