There are a number of other groups in Australia such as DVDRAG (Domestic Violence Death Review Action Group) Queensland, South Australia and Victoria who have had contact with me as we have worked towards seeing Domestic Violence Homicide Reviews implemented in all states of Australia. A National Domestic Violence Homicide Review Action Group is currently being formed.
When I visited Mt Isa and Brisbane in February I attended a DVDRAG meeting. As we talked about future activities we could initiate nationally we realised that each State has different days and months of activism around domestic violence awareness. Queensland for example holds a Domestic Violence Awareness Month through May every year. The first Wednesday of that month is known as Remembrance Day for women and children killed in the context of domestic violence. Activities are held which have included candle vigils, Silent Witness exhibition, postcard campaigns. Western Australia also observes a particular time of year for activism focused on domestic violence deaths of women and children.
The first National Remembrance Day will held on Wednesday May 6th 2009. Plans are currently underway in developing a significant activity that local groups and communities can participate in.
You will notice we now have a Count Down Clock on our blog. Over the next few weeks we will be posting new blogs and information to keep you up to date with plans for the first National Remembrance Day.
