The march was moved from it’s usual route through Alexandra Gardens and into Barkly Street to increase visibility and spread the message more publicly. 

The street was closed off to allow for men, women and children to spread the message as they walked to the Ararat Town Hall.

At the hall, guest speakers Senior Sergeant Damian Ferrari of Ararat and family violence survivor Simone O’Brien talked about family violence.

“When I read through some statistics I was once again astounded at the regularity of violence being perpetrated against women,” Senior Sergeant Ferrari said.

“On average one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner. One in six women have experienced abuse before the age of 15.

“I’m embarrassed that (the statistics) are so high, and the perpetrators are almost exclusively men.”

Senior Sergeant Ferrari said that Ararat Rural City has the seventh highest rate of reported incidents of family violence in the state, but that this could be a sign that women have the “confidence to come to the police” and report the issue. 

“If you’re a victim in any way, shape or form then firstly, you will be believed. You will be supported – not just by police officers but by a whole range of professionals willing to help,” he said.

“You will be treated with dignity and respect.”

Ms O’Brien recounted her own experience of family violence, which culminated in a severe attack from a man she had been dating for about nine months.

The red flags had been mounting and eventually Ms O’Brien decided to heed their warning. 

She ended the relationship on a Monday, but that same night the perpetrator came over uninvited. 

“He obviously couldn’t take no for an answer,” Ms O’Brien said.

He attacked Ms O’Brien with a baseball bat. The attack left her without sight in her right eye and without a sense of smell. It also left her children traumatised. 

Although she had long since cut ties with the perpetrator, Ms O’Brien said for many women, the threat was still very real. 

“As I stand here and speak to you today, already the average is 52 deaths a year. We’re already at 61 (this year). That’s not just us women, it’s children as well,” she said.

“I’m speaking out to you guys because if I can help just one person (I will).”

Ms O’Brien reiterated the importance of speaking up – if not for yourself then for the next woman a perpetrator might assault.

She said the perpetrator who attacked her had two ex-wives who hadn’t spoken out, and she was unaware he’d ever been married. 

“This is why I’m speaking out,” she said.

If you, or someone you know, is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call Triple 0.