Contributed By Ian Demack
DOMESTIC violence affects all levels of society, but some people are more vulnerable than others, and in February this year, the Maleny Film Society screened Shayda, a powerful Australian drama about the challenges faced by an Iranian woman after leaving an abusive marriage, based on a true story.
Many viewers left the hall hoping that life improved for the woman who had inspired the movie, and for her young daughter.
SpeakUpNow is holding a candlelight vigil to remember victims of domestic and family violence, in Tesch Park, Maleny, on Thursday May 16.
Our headline speaker is Stephanie Tonkin, a retired magistrate who helped Shayda navigate Australia’s Family Court system, and divorce her violent husband.
Stephanie will talk about her journey during and after the ordeal and post-divorce. Other speakers will include a Queensland Police Service Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit representative. The vigil starts at 5:15pm.