No More Empty Shoes

Building on the success of Lou’s Place “Empty Shoes” campaign, which honoured the victims of Domestic and Family Violence in November 2023, we are proud to announce our collaboration with the NSW Vigil Collective 2024, “Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes".  We are honoured to be working alongside Hope and Heal, DV NSW, Muslim Women Australia, The City of Sydney, Dress for Success, Moving Forward, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Full Stop and Evolve Yourself to host this crucial  event in Martin Place during the United Nations' "16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. " 

The goal of this advocacy is to raise community awareness, broaden conversations, and raise funds to support the salaries of two dedicated DFV case workers at Lou’s. We are actively seeking sponsorship and deeply appreciate those who have already joined us for 2024.

 “Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes” is a one-day installation in Martin Place featuring pairs of shoes—each pair representing a woman who has lost her life to domestic or family violence in Australia. In 2023, 56 women died from gender-based violence. As of October 8, 2024 we have already lost 53 women (according to Counting Dead Women Australia). The significance of this year’s vigil is even greater, with additional media attention, the ongoing legal reforms, and an increased push for more front-line service funding. We need to make our voices heard.

 The vigil will be held on Tuesday, 26 November from 8am - 1pm, with speeches starting at noon. Each pair of shoes will be accompanied by a victim’s name and a flower placed in their honour during the reading of the names.  Visitors will be invited to walk beside the empty shoes and reflect on the lives lost. Lou's staff will be present to offer information  and answer any questions.  Featured speakers will include DVNSW CEO Delia Donovan, Youth Advocate and Educator Daniel Principe and Speaker, Counsellor, Survivor, Darryl Gardiner. Our special guest vocalist, Melinda Schneider will be performing 2 songs. 

 We invite you to join us in Martin Place on 26 November. Come together to remember, reflect and influence change.  Please share our message on social media. We need your voice to add to ours! Please also consider sponsoring a pair of shoes. We are actively seeking sponsors and corporate partners. If you know of any organisation/group that might be interested in getting involved, please contact Laura Prittie | laura@lousplace.com.au | 9358-4553.

For more event information visit: Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes Tickets, Tue 26/11/2024 at 8:00 am | Eventbrite (the event is free and you don’t need to register but Eventbrite will create a handy calendar invite if you do). You can also access the event via our Facebook page: (2) UNITE AGAINST VIOLENCE: No More Empty Shoes. A vigil to honour the victims of domestic violence | Facebook