Join us at the Candlelight Vigil to reflect on and remember those lost to family violence
At Deakin, we believe in a community that is safe, supportive and proactive in the prevention of gender-based violence. That’s why we’ll be taking part in the annual Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil, an event to reflect on and remember those lost to family violence, and we invite you and all students and members of our community to engage in this evening.
The Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil
Safe Steps are an organisation dedicated to providing family violence support services and advocating for long-term change.
Led by courageous survivors and passionate advocates, the Safe Steps Candlelight Vigil brings Victoria together in a powerful tribute to honour and remember the people whose lives have been lost to family and domestic violence. Playing a crucial role in raising awareness of family and domestic violence, the Vigil provides a platform for sharing stories of resilience, sparking hope, and inspiring change. It empowers help-seekers to access support before it’s too late, helping to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and prevent further loss of life.
– Safe Steps
On National Family Violence Remembrance Day, Wednesday 7 May 2025, from 6 to 6.45 pm, landmarks across Victoria, including the Deakin CUBE at the Burwood, Waterfront and Waurn Ponds campuses, will turn purple.
You can register to attend the in-person vigil at the Family Violence Memorial Garden in East Melbourne.
You can also get involved by:
- sharing the event across your social media and tagging Safe Steps.
- hosting your own local or regional vigil
- lighting a virtual candle and sending a message of support
- donating to Safe Steps.
You can watch highlights from the 2024 Candlelight Vigil below:
Support if you’ve experienced family or gender-based violence or harassment
Talking about gender-based violence and harassment can be distressing. For Deakin support, contact Safer Community from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4 pm on 03 9244 3734.
You can find out more information about respectful communities on Deakin’s public website.
In an emergency
- If you’re experiencing, or at risk of experiencing violence, or are worried about someone else’s safety, call Victoria Police or go to a police station. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
- If English is not your first language, call Triple Zero (000) and tell them your language. They will connect you to an interpreter.
- If you have a hearing impairment or have difficulty being understood verbally, the National Relay Service can help with an emergency call.
- You can also call 1800RESPECT by calling 1800 737 732 or Safe Steps by calling 1800 015 188 for support.
- If you’re experiencing, or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, you can call the Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292.
For additional support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit the Lifeline website.
Support at Deakin and in the community
There’s a range of Deakin and community-based support services available, some of which are available 24 hours a day.
If you’re on a permanent or temporary visa and are experiencing family violence, it may help to know that seeking help will not affect your visa status. Contact the Department of Home Affairs for information and support.
Interested in learning more about preventing interpersonal violence in the Deakin community? Check out the Respect at Deakin module.