Embolden members and supporters from across the SA community will be rallying on the steps of Parliament House from 9am Friday 24 November to call for a Royal Commission into domestic, family and sexual violence in South Australia.
This event will be a press conference. Arman Abrahimzadeh, domestic violence campaigner and son of Zahra Abrahimzadeh, and Mary Leaker, General Manager Embolden, will be available for interview.
Embolden is appalled that four South Australian women have lost their lives to violence in the last week, allegedly at the hands of a man known to them.
Domestic and family violence is a national crisis, with more than one woman killed each week on average so far this year. One is too many.
This epidemic of gender-based violence requires urgent action, right across government and our communities. Embolden is calling for a Royal Commission into domestic, family and sexual violence in South Australia.
Quotes attributable to Maria Hagias, CEO Women’s Safety Services, Co-Chair Embolden Board:
“Four women have been killed in our state in the last week. Preventing and responding to domestic, family and sexual violence is a whole-of-government, non-government and whole-of-community responsibility, and we need to take urgent action.
A Royal Commission that centres the voices of victim-survivors is vital to identify barriers, gaps and opportunities, to keep South Australian women and children safer.
A Royal Commission will help our state target much-needed investment where it will have the most impact, across prevention, early intervention, crisis response and recovery.”
Quotes attributable to Mary Leaker, General Manager Embolden:
“We all have a right to live free from violence, without fear, and yet almost one in four Australian women experience intimate partner violence. Four South Australian women have been killed in the last week.
Many women experiencing violence and abuse, including women killed by an intimate partner, are not in contact with police or services. A Royal Commission is essential to shine a light on the experiences of these women and help us improve pathways to critical supports.
Every community member has a role to play in creating a safer community for women, children and others experiencing violence. Real change requires a shift in community attitudes so that coercive and controlling behaviours are recognised as harmful and dangerous red flags.”
Quotes attributable to Susie Smith, Regional Manager Southern Country Domestic Violence Service, Co-Chair Embolden Board:
“It is vital that we listen to Aboriginal people about what works for their families and communities. Aboriginal women are 8 times more likely than non-Aboriginal women to be killed and 30 times more likely than non-Aboriginal women to be hospitalised due to physical violence.
“We also know that women living in regional and remote communities face particular barriers in accessing help”.
Key Facts:
4 women killed in South Australia in one week
Peak body and sector calls for a Royal Commission
Hundreds to rally outside parliament house Friday 24th at 9am
About us:
Embolden is the statewide peak body for domestic, family and sexual violence services in South Australia. https://embolden.org.au/
Contact details:
Mary Leaker E: mary@embolden.org.au P: 0412 420 411
