Ending Gender-Based Violence: Thousands March in Sydney and Melbourne

In a powerful display of solidarity and determination, more than 8,500 people took to the streets of Melbourne today to march against gender-based violence. The event, which started at Birrarung Marr and culminated at Treasury Gardens, drew the largest crowd the march has ever seen, underscoring the growing momentum behind the movement to end violence against women.

Isla Bell’s Tragic Story

Among the sea of marchers was the grieving family of Isla Bell, a 19-year-old whose remains were tragically discovered at the Dandenong tip. The harrowing details of Bell’s murder, allegedly at the hands of 53-year-old Marat Ganiev in St Kilda East, have sent shockwaves through the community.

• Bell went missing on October 4, only to be found murdered on October 7.
• Her uncle, Keiran Dionysus, bravely read a message penned by Bell’s mother, Justine Spokes, to the crowd, expressing profound grief and disbelief over the loss of her daughter.
  

  Voices of Resilience
  

  Bell’s cousin, Caitlin Brown, also spoke out at the rally, emphasizing the deep love and sense of injustice felt by the family. "We just want to say that she’s loved and she’s cared for, and we hope justice is served," Brown declared, echoing the sentiments of many who demand accountability and change in the face of senseless violence.

  Sydney Stands in Solidarity
  

  In a simultaneous show of strength, crowds marched through Coogee in Sydney’s east, joined by NRL players, community activists, and victim-survivors. The statistics shared by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb are sobering:

• A domestic violence-related incident prompts a call to police every four minutes on average.
• Victims endure an average of 27 assaults before seeking help.
  

  A Call to Action
  

  Rabbitohs player Cameron Murray, who participated in the walk alongside his teammates, emphasized the personal significance of the cause. "Having a little girl now, it’s a little bit closer to my heart," Murray shared, highlighting the urgent need to create a safer world for future generations.

  A Global Campaign for Change
  

  The rallies in Melbourne and Sydney mark the beginning of a 16-day global campaign dedicated to preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls. With more than 80 women allegedly murdered in Australia this year alone, the need for action is clear.

  Resources for Support
  

  As the community rallies together to combat gender-based violence, support is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

  Let us stand united in the fight against gender-based violence, ensuring a safer and more equitable future for all.