Content Warning: Mentions of violence and sexual assault against women.
Where is the outrage? Where is the media? Where is the USyd left? Where are the men?
On Saturday 10th May, national protests against gender-based violence took place, mourning the hundreds of women’s lives who have been stolen, and demanding government action after stagnant responses to the issue, and unnerving silence on the campaign trail.
As of 9th May, 25 women have been killed in 2025, and 103 women were killed in 2024, according to Australian Femicide Watch.
Event organisers and community members remarked that various media outlets pulled out from covering the National Rally Against Violence to instead organise coverage for the newly appointed Pope. It seems that this issue continues to recede to the bottom of the priority list of many, when it warrants unequivocal urgency. The crowd was passionate but not large enough, and predominantly comprised of women. As is obvious, domestic violence is not for women alone to fix.
Protesters marched from Belmore Park before gathering at Hyde Park, where the pathway was wreathed with portraits of the women whose lives have been lost to male violence against women. The portraits were organised by journalist Sherele Moody, who fastidiously reports on femicide in Australia, and implores meaningful government action against violence.
Organiser Jayda Khan opened the event with an Acknowledgement of Country. She commenced the speeches alongside organiser Amelia Grace Wilson-Wiliams.
“We don’t just gather as protesters. We gather as survivors.”
She remarked that how the scourge of domestic violence went grossly unacknowledged by either candidate vying for Prime Minister: “We weren’t even a blip in the election. We’re here to say no more.”
She introduced feminist activist and Butterfly Foundation ambassador Mia Findlay.
“This is the third time I’ve spoken in Hyde Park”, she said. The last time she had spoken, in November 2024, protesters grieved the lives of 83 women killed that year. “In the few months since, 42 more women have been added to that tally.”
“She’s out taking the dog for a walk, she’s meeting her girlfriends for lunch, she’s playing with her kids in the backyard, or maybe she’s here.”
Prabha Nandagopal, a Human Rights and Discrimination Lawyer, remarked: “I’m here not just in heartbreak and anger, but here in hope. Violence against women is not only escalating, it’s being met with delay and deflection.”
She spoke to the failure to include First Nations voices in decision-making processes in stamping out gender-based violence: “Why would they have to elbow their way in?”
Nandagopal remarked on the disproportionate reporting of women dying due to gender based violence, with deaths of women of colour continuing to be underreported in our communities.
“To our governments — this moment deserves more than condolences.”
The following speaker was Sarah Rosenberg, founder of With You We Can: a platform which assists survivors of sexual violence in navigating the justice system. She spoke to the continual failures of the criminal justice system to protect women. “Audrey Griffin’s murderer was known to police,” she said.
She spoke to the work of the Australian Law Reform Commission Inquiry into Justice Responses toward Sexual Violence as a “step in the right direction”, with much more work needing to be done.
Lauren Dunn then spoke to the complicity of the media in trivialising domestic and family violence: “I’ve lived through the silence, shame, [and] fear…Our media has blood on its hands. The way DV is covered is not just disappointing — it’s dangerous.”
She remarked on the complicity of the media in chronicling abuse sensationally, using terms such as “troubled relationships”, or hailing an abuser as a “sporting hero”, rather than calling these acts out for what they are: “violence and abuse”.
“We must create a culture that does not tolerate abuse — not in our homes, workplaces.”
Wiradjuri woman and City of Sydney councillor Yvonne Weldon addressed the crowd and delivered a Welcome to Country.
She underscored the importance of a community approach: “Don’t stay silent and normalise the behaviours that cannot and should not be accepted.”
She extended support on behalf of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council: “Support without judgement — our lives depend on it. Together we can make a difference.”
Protest organiser Jayda concluded the speeches by remarking that “change doesn’t come from silence, it comes from solidarity.”
The rally concluded in solemnity, with organisers reading the names of the 103 women killed in 2024, and 25 women in 2025 as of 9th May. Attendees then observed one minute’s silence to pay respect to those who have been killed.
The National Rally Against Violence published six demands:
- Investment in Primary prevention: committing to evidence-based prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and communities, co-designed with First Nations, LGBTQIA+, and disability-led organisations
- Commitment to the National Housing and Homelessness strategy: Prioritise Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence (DFSV) survivors and fund safe, long-term housing pathways
- Mandate trauma-informed training for first responders: Ensure all survivors are met with safety, dignity, and respect
- Bail law reforms: Centre the safety of victim-survivors
- Consent law reforms: Nationally consistent, holistic, and affirmative definitions of consent
- Funding for Crisis Support services: Commit to increased funding for women’s shelters and crisis accommodation, aboriginal-led community services, among more.
Signs at the protest read “Stop Killing Women”, and “You lose your temper, we lose our lives.”
SRC Women’s Officer Ellie Robertson commented on behalf of USyd Women’s Collective: “The National Rally Against Violence was a much needed action to combat the consistent undermining of the severity of gender based violence.
“Our government has done a less than adequate job to address and combat this issue. During the Federal Election, three women were killed due to domestic violence. Not one of the Prime Minister candidates spoke up. Frankly, it is disgusting and extremely telling of the lack of fundamental care and support for victim-survivors more generally.
“We need to stand up and fight back to protect the women and children having their lives forcefully taken from them.”
It is incumbent on the whole community to show up against violence. Women will continue to show up and agitate until actual change is delivered — will men show up too?
Follow accounts for information, updates and protests against gender-based violence:
If you or any of your loved ones have been affected by the issues mentioned in this article, please consider contacting the resources below:
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline – Provides 24/7 telephone and online crisis counselling for anyone in Australia who has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault, family or domestic violence and their non-offending supporters. The service also has a free telephone interpreting service available upon request.
Safer Communities Office – Specialist staff experienced in providing an immediate response to people that have experienced sexual misconduct, domestic/family violence, bullying/harassment and issues relating to modern slavery.
Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Service – Provides legal advice and sort for a range of issues, including domestic, sexual, and family violence, to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander women, children and youth.
1800RESPECT – A service available 24/7 with counsellors that supports everyone impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.
Lifeline – 24/7 suicide prevention crisis support hotline for anyone experiencing a personal or mental health crisis.
