Thousands of Victorians gathered in Melbourne to rally against gender-based violence, marching from the State Library to Federation Square. Premier Jacinta Allan, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, and independent MP Dr. Monique Ryan joined the protest, which was organized by What Were You Wearing, an Indigenous-led not-for-profit organization. Protesters chanted “Say it once, say it again: no excuse for violent men” as they called for government action to address what they described as a national emergency. Signs proclaiming that “the system has failed us” highlighted the repeated deaths of women at the hands of men, which were referred to as an “epidemic”.
The organization is advocating for increased funding for domestic and sexual violence services, improved reporting options for those experiencing family violence, and a 48-hour media waiting period before publishing photos of women who have died as a result of male violence. Speaking at the rally, What Were You Wearing’s social media manager Martina Ferreta expressed gratitude for the bravery of those who attended the protest, particularly considering the current climate of safety concerns. Protesters also heard from Palawa woman Maggie Blanden, who urged them not to ignore the epidemic of violence against women and to take action to address the issue.
The Melbourne rally was part of a series of protests held across the country in recent days to honor women who have died due to domestic violence. The marches aimed to raise awareness of gender-based violence and demand more significant government intervention in addressing the issue. Protesters emphasized the need for societal change to prevent further violence against women and called for the authorities to recognize the severity of the problem and respond with urgency. The rallies provided a platform for individuals to voice their concerns and demand accountability from those in power.
The presence of high-profile figures such as Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney General Mark Dreyfus at the Melbourne rally highlighted the importance of the issue of gender-based violence and signaled support for the protesters’ demands. The participation of politicians in the demonstration underscored the significance of the cause and the need for legislative action to address the root causes of violence against women. By joining the rally, these leaders showed solidarity with the victims and survivors of gender-based violence and committed to working towards effective solutions to combat the issue.
The protesters’ calls for change included advocating for improved support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, better reporting mechanisms for those experiencing abuse, and increased awareness of the impact of male violence on women. Through their collective action, the demonstrators sought to bring attention to the prevalence of gender-based violence in Australian society and push for meaningful reforms to prevent further harm. Their demands for government action and media responsibility underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue and creating a safer environment for all individuals, particularly women who are disproportionately affected by such violence. The rally served as a powerful demonstration of unity and determination to make a difference in the fight against gender-based violence.
