Thousands of women, men, and children gathered at Princes Park tonight in the place where 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon’s body was found after she was raped and murdered last Tuesday.
People laid floral tributes and lit candles as they remembered the up-and-coming comedian and reaffirmed a woman’s right to be in a public place without the fear of violence.
Melbourne‘s Town Hall lit up orange at 5:30PM to coincide with the vigil – the colour the United Nations use to symbolise the end of violence against women.
Tributes to the born performer have come from friends, family, strangers, and comedians in the industry all heartbroken by the loss of such a kind and intelligent woman.
Yesterday, Richmond player Brandon Ellis wore a black armband in memory of Dixon. The two had grown up together in the same housing commission flats and attended the same high-school.
Vigils were also held across the state in Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Mornington, Frankston, Violet Town, and Warrnambool. Vigils also took place in Sydney, Albury, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Launceston. A vigil will be held in Queensland and Canberra on Thursday.
Adelaide vigil tonight for #EurydiceDixon. Rest in power and Rest In Peace #VAW #Adelaide pic.twitter.com/Jd4n5Jezrk
— Kelly Hughes (@KellyCHughes_) June 18, 2018
The Sydney in vigil was renamed Victims of Gendered Violence to remember the 28 other women who have died this year. On the same day Dixon’s life was cut short, an 11-year-old schoolgirl in Newcastle was kidnapped and sexually assaulted for five hours. After the child found the courage to relive the crime, police found and arrested the 47-year-old man who was reportedly charged with kidnapping, six counts of aggravated assault, and four counts of aggravated sexual assault.
Just days before Dixon’s death, 28-year-old Sydney woman Qi Yu reportedly disappeared from her share-house on Friday, 8 June. Police are searching bushland, north of the city, as they believe Qi’s body was transported in her car to areas around Hornsby, Berowra, Cowan, and Mt Kuring-gai. Police are still searching for Qi’s body. Her 19-year-old housemate has been charged with her murder. It is reported Qi had been on the phone to her mother when the call abruptly ended.
Anyone with information that could help the police investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can also submit a confidential report HERE.
This article discusses sexual assault. If you would like to talk to a counsellor about rape, sexual assault or domestic violence, please contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
