MEDIA RELEASE
|
FOR IMMEDIATE
14 March 2017
Blacktown City’s Sad Fourth Vigil
More than 100 people attended a candlelight vigil at Blacktown Council’s Bowman Hall on Monday night to remember a local woman killed in an alleged domestic violence incident.
Harjit Kaur was found in her Glenwood home by her son last Tuesday and police have charged her husband with her murder.
The vigil was organised by the Blacktown Women’s and Girl’s Health Centre with support from Council and State Member for Blacktown John Robertson.
Mayor of Blacktown City Councillor Stephen Bali called on the community to help put a stop to domestic violence.
“80 women are killed each and every year in Australia as a result of domestic violence,” he said.
“It happens far too often and the large number of victims is a shame on the nation.
“Every Australian needs to be on the lookout for people who are domestic violence victims and take action to prevent violence in the home,” Mayor Bali said.
“It is a tragedy that last night’s vigil should be the fourth to be held in Blacktown City since 2015.”
Mayor Bali and Mr Robertson have both committed to holding a vigil every time a woman is killed as a result of domestic violence.
“Sadly this is not the first vigil in Blacktown City and each time we hope it will be the last,” Mr Robertson said.
“But if or when someone is murdered in Blacktown City as a result of domestic violence we will hold a vigil to send the message that it is unacceptable to the community.
“The people of Blacktown City are standing together to say ‘domestic violence is not OK’.”
The vigils form part of Blacktown City Council’s White Ribbon campaign to stamp out domestic violence.
As the only White Ribbon accredited council in Western Sydney, Blacktown City Council has supporting policies and procedures in its workplace and is lobbying the NSW Government to increase funding for domestic violence services.
“Blacktown City is working hard to send a strong message,” Mayor Bali said.
“We are joining forces with our citizens to create a movement against domestic violence and we call on other workplaces and local governments across the country to do the same.”
Lives lost since 2015:
· 7 March 2016: Harjit Kaur, 56, found dead in her Glenwood home. Husband, Jagdish Singh, charged with her murder.
· 21 September 2015 - Mount Druitt woman Kirralee Dugo Paepaerei, 37, pregnant with her fourth child, found with fatal head and chest injuries. Partner Josh Homann charged with her murder.
· 8 September 2015 - Lalor Park’s Linda Addams, 67, and her grandson Brayden Rhodes, 7. Linda’s son and Brayden’s uncle Lance Rhodes, 35, charged with their murders.
· 27 April 2015 - Linda Locke, 51, bashed to death in her Quakers Hill home. Partner Jamie Walker, 46, charged with her murder.
Follow the link below for photos of Monday night’s vigil –
No comments:
Post a Comment