Quilt honouring victims of domestic violence on display

The National Remembrance Quilt in honour of women and children killed in domestic violence crimes now hangs in Parliament House, Canberra.

The quilt is on display in the reception area of the Parliament House office of Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins.

The National Remembrance Quilt Project organised by Women Everywhere Advocating Violence Elimination (WEAVE) Inc engaged women and supporters in the community to work together in the creation of a National Quilt and three state Remembrance Quilts for South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland.

WEAVE Inc convener Dr Elspeth McInnes met with Ms Collins and other women parliamentarians today to discuss the Remembrance Quilt Project and the work that WEAVE Inc does to help women and children who have experienced violence.

“The National Remembrance Quilt is a wonderful project that will help raise awareness of violence against women in the community,” Ms Collins said.

“Domestic and family violence is, unfortunately, more common in Australia than many people would think – one in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.

“Domestic violence is linked to at least half the murders of women – 51 per cent of female homicide victims died at the hands of their current or former partner.

“Reducing all violence against women in our community is a priority for the Australian Government.

“The $86 million National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 brings together the efforts of governments across the nation to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women.

“All forms of violence against women are unacceptable.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to reject and prevent violence and it is only through the joint efforts of individuals, government and organisations such as WEAVE Inc that we can reduce violence against women and their children.”