HEDLAND COMMUNITY MARCHES TO SAY NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

BY ASAD KHAN

In recognition of Domestic Violence Prevention Month, dozens of Hedland locals marched on Wednesday to stand united against family and domestic violence.

Organised in collaboration with local service providers and community groups, the event aimed to raise awareness, support victim survivors, and promote long-term solutions to break cycles of abuse.

Among the key voices at the march was Shellene Remihana, manager of the Hedland Women's Refuge, who said the turnout particularly among young people was encouraging.

“I think today was a great turnout,” she said.

“We saw a lot of youth attending, and even leading up to the march, schools and youth groups were heavily involved. That’s the audience we want if we’re serious about breaking cycles.”

The Hedland Women’s Refuge provides crisis accommodation for women and children escaping violence and offers outreach services to families still in the community.

She said the refuge has seen an increase in coercive control a form of emotional abuse involving surveillance, financial restrictions, and control over a person’s choices.

“There’s been an increase in the intensity of violence,” she said.

“But we’re also seeing more women coming forward, many of them reporting for the first time after years in violent situations.”

She urged the broader community to talk openly about domestic violence, push for system reform, and support better funding and housing pathways for survivors.

“Violence isn’t something that just happens to someone else,” she said.

“It can happen to anyone, and as a community we need to collectively say no to it.”

Tori Cooke, a leading family violence expert and Director of Pandora Projects, also spoke about the importance of coordinated, professional responses.

“Victim survivors are incredibly strong and courageous,” she said.

“They don’t accept the violence they manage it. And we need to stop imagining the men who use violence as some other kind of person. They’re ordinary people who have made harmful choices and can be worked with.”

Ms Cooke, who trains frontline practitioners across Australia and contributes to policy reform, emphasised the need for investment in coercive control awareness campaigns and support systems that centre lived experience.

“Change is hard work and takes time,” she said. “But it’s essential, and governments need to invest in that work.”

She also raised the growing concern of technology-facilitated abuse, noting that some perpetrators use digital tools to monitor, threaten or control their partners. In regional areas, a lack of tech literacy can make this harder to detect or report.

“Tech abuse is a major part of coercive control.”

“Resources like Westnet and forensic IT specialists are vital for victims who are being tracked or surveilled.”

To those still living with domestic violence, she offered a message of encouragement.

“You are some of the most incredible and brave people I’ve ever worked with. Whether you’re still in the relationship or thinking about leaving, please know we are here, ready to support you.”