It could be a step in the right direction, with an installation shining a spotlight on domestic violence against women in the Hunter.
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The thought provoking installation will see shoes placed in the middle of Stockland Green Hills representing the Australian women who have died from domestic violence.
It will also encourage other women who have been affected by domestic violence to lay a pair of shoes.
Hunter Women’s Network secretary Race Barstow said the campaign aimed to raise awareness in the community.
“This is a whole community issue. This display shows the prevalence of what we are deal with because domestic violence is an epidemic,” she said.
“As well it shows the ripple effect that it has on the community. It is about how we need to address it as a community.”
Spearheaded by the Maitland Domestic Violence Committee with Carrie’s Place and Hunter Women’s Network alongside, the Stockland Green Hills installation will run for just over two weeks.
“Domestic violence is the prevalent form of violence against women in Australia,” Ms Barstow said.
“It will start with a pair of shoes representing every woman who has died from domestic violence this year … and then other women can add to it."
There are currently three collections points for women who can't make the event to drop off shoes – including Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison’s office, Carrie’s Place HQ and real estate agency David Haggarty First National.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, who is also acting Shadow Minister for Women and Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, will open the installation on Sunday, November 25 at 10am.
Maitland Domestic Violence Committee secretary Ang Endersby said it was an important event for the Hunter community.
“The Domestic Violence Committee is about raising awareness of domestic violence in the community, so having a community effort and having the installation for 16 days will be really good,” she said.
The date coincides with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism.
Domestic violence advice and help is available, call: 1800 RESPECT or the DV Hotline – 1800 65 64 63.