Remembering Women and Supporting Women Experiencing Domestic and Family Violence

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Remembering Women and Supporting Women Experiencing Domestic and Family Violence

23 September 2026

Remembering women and standing together against domestic violence

Across Australia, domestic and family violence continues to have a devastating impact on women, families and communities.

Last week, the deaths of three women in separate incidents in NSW once again brought the devastating reality of domestic and family violence into public view. For families and communities, these women are more than statistics or news stories. They were mothers, daughters, sisters, aunties, friends and valued members of their communities.

For people who have experienced domestic violence, news of these deaths can also be deeply distressing and may bring back painful memories, fear or trauma.

At WACHS, we acknowledge the devastating impact domestic and family violence has on our community and remain committed to supporting women who are experiencing violence, who may be at risk of harm, or who simply need someone to talk to.

The She Matters Wall in Orange

In Orange, NSW, a powerful memorial known as the She Matters Wall provides a visual reminder of the women whose lives have been lost to violence.

The wall is covered with photographs of women who have died in circumstances involving violence. Each photograph represents a person, a family and a story — reminding the community that behind every statistic is a woman whose life mattered.

The She Matters project has brought this powerful memorial to regional communities, creating an opportunity to remember women publicly and encourage conversations about violence against women.

Recently, the wall was reinstalled with photographs representing three more women who died in NSW in separate alleged domestic and family violence incidents.

The addition of each photograph is confronting.

It is also a reminder of why conversations about women’s safety, domestic violence prevention and support for victim-survivors are so important.

WACHS Domestic Violence Worker Sharon visits the She Matters Wall

WACHS Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Worker Sharon recently visited the She Matters Wall in Orange.

During her visit, Sharon met Sherele Moody, the journalist, researcher and anti-violence campaigner behind the She Matters project and Australian Femicide Watch.

Sherele Moody has spent years documenting and raising awareness about the deaths of women and children through violence in Australia. Her work focuses on keeping the stories of women visible, documenting violence and encouraging greater community awareness about the devastating impact of violence against women.

Meeting Sharon and Sherele at the She Matters Wall created an important connection between community awareness, remembrance and frontline support for women experiencing domestic and family violence.

Three more women remembered

As part of the reinstallation of the She Matters Wall, photographs of three women were added following their deaths in separate NSW incidents.

Sharon took part in placing the women's photographs on the wall.

The moment was a powerful reminder that every photograph represents a life — someone who was loved, someone who had hopes and dreams, and someone whose absence is now felt by family, friends and community.

The accompanying photographs and videos capture Sharon’s visit and her contribution to remembering these women.

While the wall is difficult to look at, it is important that these women are not forgotten.

Their stories remind us why recognising the signs of domestic violence, knowing where to seek help and supporting women who may be experiencing violence are so important.

Supporting women experiencing domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence can take many forms.

It can include physical violence, emotional abuse, intimidation, threats, financial abuse, isolation, coercive control and other behaviours that make a person feel frightened, controlled or unsafe.

Sometimes, the signs may not be visible to others.

A woman experiencing domestic violence may be afraid to speak about what is happening. She may feel isolated, uncertain about where to go, or worried about what could happen if she asks for help.

This is why safe, confidential and culturally appropriate support is so important.

At WACHS, our Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence team is available to support women and community members who may be experiencing domestic violence or who are concerned about someone they know.

Sharon and Kelly are available to have a yarn, listen without judgement, provide information and help connect people with appropriate support services.

You do not have to wait until a situation becomes an emergency to ask for help.

Creating safer communities together

Preventing domestic and family violence is something the whole community can contribute to.

It can start with having conversations about respectful relationships and healthy boundaries.

It can mean checking in on a friend, family member or someone in the community.

It can mean believing someone when they tell you they do not feel safe.

And it can mean knowing where to turn when support is needed.

And every woman deserves to know that support is available.

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