For Women’s Legal Service Queensland (WLSQ) CEO Nadia Bromley, the fifth annual Epic Walk for DV is not just about fundraising, but a sea of purple shirts sending the message that “violence isn’t okay”.
Last year, WLSQ cleared $3 million worth of debt for domestic and family violence survivors, but thanks to the Epic Walk, Ms Bromley said the clients and the staff who assist them feel supported and buoyed by a community who believe in a better world.
“What’s important about the Epic Walk is thousands and thousands of people wearing purple shirts, walking through different communities saying, ‘Violence isn’t okay. We’re here to help. We’re here to make a difference,” she said.
Epic Walk hosted five 5km walks for its fifth year, raising money for WLSQ.
Brendan Smith, who organises the event with his partner Brendon Mann, said: “What started as a response to a crisis has grown into something much bigger.”
The Hamilton locals said they started the event during the Covid pandemic, at a time when domestic violence was rising sharply, because they saw a gap in legal services for people experiencing DV.
“We were hearing the stories, seeing the fear, and witnessing the pressure so many women and children were under behind closed doors,” Mr Smith said.
On Sunday, March 22, the Epic Walk was held at New Farm Park, Maroochydore, Burleigh Heads, and Airlie Beach, as well as a smaller walk in Noosa, hosted by Marisa Vecchio from Hanworth House.
To donate, head to epicwalkfordv.com.au.
