Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes Vigil

*Trigger warning: the content on this page contains information about domestic and family violence.  

On 25 November, the first of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Barnardos Australia stood side-by-side with 27 other organisations for the Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes Vigil held in Sydney’s Martin Place.  

42 pairs of empty shoes were placed carefully along the ground, each representing a woman killed by domestic and family violence across Australia in 2025. A stark, visible reminder of the lives stolen and the urgent need for change.  

The Vigil featured deeply moving speeches, including a powerful address from lived-experience advocate, Tabitha Acret, who shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter, Mackenzie, murdered in 2022 in a domestic violence attack. Her words echoed through Martin Place, reminding us of the human cost behind every statistic and the responsibility we share to prevent this from happening again.  

Speakers Corey Anderson from Healing Through Yarning and Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, also called for collective action, community responsibility and a renewed commitment to ending violence.  

The event was organised by the NSW Vigil Collective – a coalition of 28 organisations working together to end domestic and family violence. The Collective highlights the strength of community when we unite, with one powerful voice: No more empty shoes. No more stolen lives. 

 How Barnardos Supports Children and Families:  

Barnardos supports children and families experiencing domestic and family violence through specialist programs and services. This includes:  

• Crisis response and safety planning  
• Therapeutic support for children  
• Family casework and wraparound support  
• Safe housing pathways  
• Advocacy to break intergenerational cycles of violence  

Our goal is simple: every child deserves to live safely.  

Want to learn more about how you can help?
During the 16 days, Barnardos will be raising awareness of how domestic and family violence impacts children and the vital need for change. Join us and take action by supporting and sharing our posts on our social channels: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. 

To understand more about what must change, read our ‘Making children visible DV snapshot’ report here.  

If you would like to learn more, donate or partake in a Barnardos Corporate DFV Workshop, please contact us partnerships@barnardos.org.au