By ALESHA CAPONE
A POIGNANT memorial honouring a Sunshine North woman killed in an act of domestic violence has been installed at the Brimbank Youth Resource Centre.
Rekiah ‘Kiah’ O’Donnell was just 22 years old when she was allegedly shot by her ex-boyfriend during October.
Brimbank City Council and its White Ribbon Working group have supported two of Ms O’Donnell’s friends, Bethany Joy and Daniel Robinson, who wanted to create a tribute in her memory.
Mr Robinson has painted a mural which says RIP KIAH and includes the White Ribbon motto of ‘Australia’s Campaign to Stop Violence Against Women’.
The artwork has been erected at the Brimbank Youth Resource Centre in St Albans.
The mural was launched with a barbecue to mark the annual White Ribbon campaign, which aims to eliminate male violence against women.
In a post on the event’s Facebook page, Ms Joy encouraged other females experiencing family violence to seek help.
“Kiah would never let anyone forget and she’d let everyone know about it if this had happened to one of her friends so we will do the same,” Ms Joy said.
“We won’t let your story fade out and or disappear, we will continue to spread your story in the hope that we will help change lives of others via your story.”
The CEO of Women’s Health West Dr Robyn Gregory, said they have experienced a 35 per cent increase family violence referrals from police across the past year.
This has led to WHW delegating resources away from helping long-term clients to assist the emergency response team, she said.
“We’re having to make some really tough decisions about who gets help and who doesn’t,” Dr Gregory said.
“We are really struggling to meet increasing demand for family violence services would appreciate anything the Government could do to assist.”
For help, call Women’s Health West on 9689 9588 during business hours or after hours on 9373 0123.
