SAFE STEPS 2026

Candlelight Vigil to highlight the lasting

impact of family and domestic violence

Safe Steps is urging Victorians to show their support for families impacted by family and domestic violence by coming together on May 6th to attend its annual Candlelight Vigil. While remembrance sits at the heart of the vigil, this year’s focus is on the often unseen ripple effects of family violence - particularly its long-term impact on children, young people and families. Safe Steps is shining a light on the enduring realities faced by those living beyond the point of crisis, deepening understanding of the full impact on families and helping to drive broader recognition and conversation about the far-reaching effects of violence. In 2025, 77 Australian women and 26 children were killed by their parents or intimate partners (The Red Heart Campaign). So far in 2026, 14 women, three children and an unborn baby have been killed in Australia due to domestic or associated violence (Australian Femicide Watch). As relates to young people, 1 in 8 people have witnessed violence towards a parent before the age of 15 (Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission), and these experiences can shape outcomes across a lifetime. Additionally, one-third of older teens have experienced intimate partner violence, while around 39% of sexual assault victims are aged between 10 and 17 (Australian Institute of Family Studies; Australian Bureau of Statistics). In CY2025, Safe Steps provided translation support across 40 different languages. During the same period, around 154 victim-survivors required interpreter services. In emergency accommodation (motels only), people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds consistently made up around 25 per cent. Each statistic represents families and communities permanently altered; impacts that are often carried by children well into adulthood, but rarely fully measured. Suzanne Paynter, Group Director, Safe Steps, said family violence does not end after someone has fled. “The conversation is often focused on immediate crisis, but less understood is the long-term, intergenerational impact of family violence, particularly for children experiencing violence, homelessness, disrupted education, trauma and ongoing instability.” Demand for support continues to grow. Safe Steps has seen a 17% year-on-year increase in calls, responding to around 130,000 contacts in FY25 via phone, email and live chat, alongside an 83% rise in court support. “Despite the prevalent nature of domestic and family violence, there is still a lack of support for children and young people who grow up experiencing family violence,” Suzanne Paynter said. “There are broader, often unseen ripple effects of family violence. It continues through generations and has immense long-term impacts on children and families” “A lack of support for young people can lead to an increased likelihood of children and young people falling through the cracks into the homelessness and justice systems.” “Among teens, trauma-related misbehaviour is often dismissed as ‘acting out’, overlooking the root cause. Actions such as running away from home or entering the criminal justice system can mask underlying issues at home. Without a deeper understanding, the impacts of family violence and trauma remain unseen.” Daniel Mancuso, Co-Founder of Yiayia Next Door, a nationally recognised voice in family violence education and prevention, is working with Safe Steps this year to help raise awareness and encourage victim-survivors and their families to seek support. After losing his mother to domestic violence, Daniel and his brother spent years navigating fear, court processes and instability, with their lives laid out in front of strangers as they relived the experience through the court proceedings. “My beautiful Mum, Teresa, was taken from the world at the hands of my father. I still remember that day clearly,” Daniel said. In 2015, his father was arrested, followed by a prolonged court process that brought some form of closure, but not without lasting impact. “We heard the words that our father was guilty of her murder. That moment didn’t fix everything. But for the first time in a long time… we felt safe,” Daniel said. Amid that experience, it was small, consistent acts of care that made a difference. A neighbour, a Greek grandmother (Yiayia), began handing meals over the fence, offering quiet support during an otherwise uncertain time. “But this isn’t just a story about loss. Because in the middle of all that… there was also kindness. No big gestures. No attention. Just quiet, consistent care. And at a time where everything felt uncertain, that meant everything to us.” That experience continues to shape Daniel’s work today, as he uses his voice to support others, raise awareness and reinforce the importance of community in responding to family violence. Daniel’s experience speaks to the long tail of violence, what happens after the headlines, and how children carry that impact into adulthood. “To spark real change, we must first recognise and address the long-term impacts of family violence on children and young adults,” Suzanne Paynter said. Iconic buildings across Melbourne, including Melbourne Town Hall, AAMI Park, Old Treasury Building Museum and Myer Melbourne, will once again light up purple in a show of solidarity. More than 400 people attended the vigil in 2025, with even greater community support expected this year. Safe Steps provides Victoria’s only 24/7 inclusive, confidential family and domestic violence crisis support service, supporting victim- survivors in high-risk situations and helping them access safety and ongoing support. Safe Steps is committed to using the Candlelight Vigil as a tribute to those lost to family violence and advocating for increased access to support for children and young people. Safe Steps 2026 Candlelight Vigil Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026
 Time: 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
 Location: Family Violence Memorial Garden, East Melbourne About Safe Steps Safe Steps provides immediate, life-saving support to all individuals experiencing family and domestic violence. It offers 24/7 assistance to all Victorians in high-risk situations and crises, ensuring their safety and well-being. Safe Steps handles over 130,000 calls, emails and web chats every year, highlighting the scale of the crisis facing victim-survivors across Victoria. Around 33,000 nights of emergency accommodation are provided, offering safety and shelter to the most vulnerable members of the community, 43% of whom are children and young people on any given night. If you or someone you know is experiencing family or domestic violence, contact Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188, email safesteps@safesteps.org.au or visit safesteps.org.au.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia