Vigil to honour victims

WOMEN and children murdered in domestic violence incidents will be remembered at a candlelight vigil on the Gold Coast this weekend.

The Burleigh vigil on Sunday marks the end of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and is organised by The Sanctuary Women, Children and Pets Refuge.

The sanctuary’s founder, Simone Patterson, said the Gold Coast was in the grip of a domestic violence “epidemic”.

“There is not a single postcode this does not affect,” she said.

“Through the sanctuary I’ve seen first-hand just how catastrophic domestic violence is for victims immediately and then for generations after.”

It follows an announcement police body-worn camera footage would be allowed in court for DV survivors under a new trial to reduce trauma.

The vigil will be held at 5pm on Burleigh Beach near Mowbray Park.

If you have been impacted by domestic violence, contact: Gold Coast Domestic Violence Prevention Centre: 5532 9000; Dvconnect: 1800 811 811; Domestic and Family Violence Support Services: 5532 9000