Geraldton’s Walk Against Violence organised by Desert Blue Connect to honour domestic abuse victims, survivors

“Do not continue to shame us for what other people have done to us.”

Those are the words of domestic abuse survivor Marika Yarran, who bravely attempted to speak at Geraldton’s Walk Against Violence on Friday, but when emotions overcame her someone stepped in to read her speech to the crowd.

About 100 people gathered at the Multipurpose Centre on the foreshore to show support for survivors and victims of domestic and family violence.

The annual walk was held at Stow Gardens to remember those who have lost their lives to family violence.

The WAVe event aims to raise awareness of speaking up and showing victims they aren’t alone, with abuse sometimes being difficult to recognise even though it can leave significant emotional and physical trauma.

This year’s theme was Strength and Resilience: The Courage of Survivors.

In her speech, Ms Yarran stated: “We did not ask for abuse, we have resisted violence and done what we needed to do to protect ourselves, our families — to survive.

“See what is happening all around you, everyday. From a sexual comment, or homophobic joke, from the excuse ‘boys will be boys’. Discard the belief that just because you know someone, they couldn’t possibly hurt or abuse another.

“Too many of us are being traumatised by trying to engage with systems designed to protect us, but fail.”

There was a minute’s silence while the audience laid flowers over a cross to mourn the 15 people in WA lost to domestic homicide over the past 12 months, including eight children.

Dozens of people took part in the walk, some carrying signs, marching from the foreshore through the CBD and back.

To finish and reflect, there was a sausage sizzle at Stow Gardens and an optional paddle out with A Classy Day Surf Coaching which supplied boards and wet suits to those wanted to participate.

Domestic Violence Hotline

1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732