Hundreds have marched in the regional Victorian town of Ballarat after three women were allegedly murdered in separate incidents in a matter of months.
Women, men and children marched passionately through the streets this evening in memory of Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire who all died in the span of just 61 days.
Some were moved to tears as others held up signs calling for an end to violence against women.
“If you’re not f—ing angry, you’re not paying attention,” one sign read.
“Girls just want to feel safe,” another sign said.
Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates told 9News she felt “incredibly impressed and proud of our community for turning up in numbers”.
“I’m hopeful that will be an amazing show of support to family members,” she said.
Mick Murphy, the husband of Samantha Murphy, was in the crowd.
He told 9News he appreciated the support from the community.
‘Women killed belong to our community’
She never returned home.
Police found the 42-year-old’s body inside a home in Sebastopol alongside her partner.
City of Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates said the community had been “devastated and shaken” over the past three months.
“We can’t shy away from the fact that this is a problem for Ballarat,” she said.
“People are asking for answers and they want to take action and that’s what’s behind people wanting to rally tonight and come together to support each other in solidarity to stand together.”
At least 18 women have been allegedly murdered across Australia since January 1, with three of those women from Ballarat.
And on average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner, according to violence prevention watchdog Our Watch.
Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Marion Hendren previously told 9News it was time to call out inappropriate comments and actions in the community.
“I think this community is shocked by what has happened in the last two months, she said.
“This is not a Ballarat problem or issue.”
Police are continuing to investigate her death and no charges have been laid.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told media earlier this week that the death of any woman was “unacceptable”.
“It has to stop,” she said.
“Not even 100 days into 2024. But already in Australia, 18 women have been murdered.”
“That’s not just some cold statistic – it’s 18 women who’ve had their lives stolen from them.”
National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).
