Hundreds attend vigil for domestic and family violence victims after nationwide rallies
A candlelight vigil was held tonight to remember and honour domestic and family violence victims in Melbourne.
A sombre feeling hung in the air as hundreds gathered at Melbourne's Family Violence Memorial for the vigil, organised by the Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre.
The vigil also marked Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.
READ MORE: PM announces $925 million to help people leave violent relationships
Hundreds gathered in March for a vigil honouring Samantha Murphy. Jason South
At least 26 women have died from alleged gender-based violence in Australia this year, 11 more than last year.
Those women include Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young, Hannah McGuire, Swetha Madhagani and Molly Ticehurst.
"Domestic and family violence affects people from all walks of life and includes many forms of abuse and violence that are not always physical," Safe Steps in a statement.
"The Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil is a call to action to speak up, lift the veil of silence that surrounds domestic and family violence, and reach out for support if experiencing, and/or perpetrating violence.
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Across the state, 60 landmarks were lit up in purple to bring awareness to domestic violence including Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, MCG, the Royal Exhibition building and the Police Academy.
At the same time, dozens gathered in Cairns to light their own vigils for domestic violence.
It followed a weekend of rallies that saw thousands take to the streets of Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth calling for an end to violence against women.
National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).
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