Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes

Women deserve safety. Help us help them. Please join us, the NSW Vigil Collective, for the Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes vigil to honour and remember victims of domestic and family violence in 2025.

The prevalence of DFV is a national crisis that needs addressing and one of the major contributors to homelessness across our state. This vigil will feature pairs of shoes, one for each woman that we have lost this year while also recognising the children and animals affected. Our goal is to raise awareness, create movement for fundamental change and to stand in solidarity with those left behind.

This event is part of UNITE! Activism, which aims to end violence against women and girls during the UN's "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence."

The vigil will be held at Martin Place from 8 am to 1:30 pm. Speakers and presentations will start at 12:00pm.

Our main speakers include DVNSW and Tabitha Acret, mother of Mackenzie Anderson, “TheyAreOurDaughters” who is a strong voice and advocator for change of those who have been left behind. There will also be a surprise performance at the end of the formalities not to be missed (thank you Sydney Philharmonia Choirs).

The NSW Vigil Collective is made up of 29 frontline services: the Asylum Seekers Centre, Banksia Women, Barnardos Australia, Bonnie Support Services, the City of Sydney, the Centre for Women’s Economic Safety, Dress for Success, DV NSW, DVSM, Full Stop, Hope and Heal, Lou’s Place, Lucy's Project, Muslim Women Australia, NSW Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network, Pop In, SSi, South Eastern Community Connect (DFV Services), Two Good Co, VOCAL, WEAVE, WAGEC, , RACS, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women's Legal Centre, Women’s Community Shelters, Women’s Resilience Centre, Women and Children First, 4Voices and 1800RESPECT. 

A huge thank you to the City of Sydney who has enabled us to host this important event.

Come and stand with us. It takes us all to bring about change.

Please email info@lousplace.com.au for more information.