Three women from the regional city — Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire — have all allegedly died at the hands of men since February.
Three women from Ballarat have all allegedly died at the hands of men in recent months. Source: AAP / Con Chronis
“Enough is enough,” the crowd chanted, as they expressed their anger and sadness over the lives loss.
A renewed search for Murphy’s body at Enfield State Park, about 30km from her home, on Thursday and Friday proved unsuccessful despite new information arising.
Speaking to the crowd, gendered violence prevention organisation chief executive Patty Kinnersly said the community had the power to change course and help stop violence against women.
Crowd members chanted “enough is enough” during the rally. Source: AAP / Con Chronis
“It is the way we speak to the children in our lives,” she said.
Federal Ballarat MP Catherine King said it was important to ensure boys were being taught how to treat women with respect.
“The support here behind the women and (against) violence is incredible,” he told the crowd on Friday.
Samantha Murphy’s husband, Mick Murphy, thanked the community for their efforts searching for Samantha. Source: AAP / Con Chronis
Young’s sister Jessica hoped the rally could inspire the change that could save others while calling for more funding for victim support programs.
McGuire’s friends described her as an amazing woman, friend and hype girl who will be sorely missed.
One in four Australian women and roughly one in 14 men have been subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner since age 15, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows. Source: AAP / Con Chronis
Rally organiser Sissy Austin, who was herself savagely attacked while on a run in 2023, said the community was there to wrap themselves around the families experiencing unimaginable grief.
“We’re here to fight for our rights to live safely in our community for generations to come.
Tyler Mitchell