Albany residents banded together to march along York Street to call for an end to domestic violence

Traffic came to a standstill on Albany’s main thoroughfare on Friday night as a crowd marched along York Street calling for an end to violence against women and children.

Albany’s Reclaim the Night event started in the Town Square, where residents gathered to send a clear message to the community — that violence would not be tolerated.

Guest speakers explored this year’s theme of consent, including a survivor of domestic violence who shared her harrowing story of abuse.

“As I stand here before you all I no longer speak as a victim, I speak as a survivor,” she said.

“The reality is, no matter how much he took from me, he never took my voice.

“Your life is a precious gift and is worth living, so tonight I encourage you to use your voice and reclaim your life.”

Great Southern Police District Superintendent Kim Travers shared some confronting statistics with the crowd. She said WA was coming off one of the worst years for family and domestic violence after recording a 19.3 per cent rise in cases over a five-year period.

In the Great Southern district last year, 66.6 per cent of the 842 reported assaults were family and domestic violence related.

“It’s never OK to accept violence in our community,” Supt Travers said.

“I have picked women up who were covered in blood and carried them on my shoulder to medical care in remote areas, people who ordinarily would have died.

“I have been into the homes of people who have been offended against. It’s not good enough.

“Please, never accept this crime, never accept sexual violence, and never accept violence against people.

“Be strong, stay together and march together ... every day be strong and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.”

Reclaim the Night was hosted by the Albany Family and Domestic Violence Action Group.