No More Empty Shoes: Standing Together Against Domestic and Family Violence

Every pair of empty shoes represents a life lost. A family grieving. A future that should have been.

On Wednesday 25 November 2026, Martin Place in Sydney will become the setting for a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of domestic and family violence across Australia.

The Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes vigil, organised by Lou's Place on behalf of the NSW Vigil Collective, will honour the women whose lives have been lost to domestic and family violence throughout 2026.

Pairs of shoes will be displayed to represent each woman lost, while also acknowledging the children, families and animals affected by violence.

Behind every pair of shoes is a person whose life mattered.

More Than a Vigil

Held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the event marks the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

It is an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives, stand alongside victim-survivors and recognise the urgent need for meaningful, lasting change.

The NSW Vigil Collective brings together 51 frontline services, demonstrating the strength and importance of collaboration across the community sector.

Domestic and family violence remains a significant driver of homelessness, with women and children often facing extraordinary challenges when escaping unsafe environments.

For those working across domestic and family violence, housing, homelessness and community services, these challenges are not simply statistics. They are the realities encountered every day.

Recognising the People Behind the Support

At HiTalent Recruitment, we have the privilege of working alongside organisations and professionals dedicated to supporting some of Australia's most vulnerable communities.

From Domestic and Family Violence Case Managers and Specialist Practitioners to Social Workers, Counsellors and Service Managers, we see the commitment required to support people experiencing violence, trauma and homelessness.

These professionals provide much more than a service.

They advocate for safety, help people navigate complex systems, rebuild confidence and create pathways towards independence.

Their work can be emotionally demanding, complex and, at times, confronting.

Yet their contribution is essential.

Events like No More Empty Shoes are also an opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary work of frontline professionals and the organisations that continue to advocate for safer communities.

Creating Change Requires Collective Action

Ending domestic and family violence cannot be the responsibility of frontline services alone.

It requires a collective commitment from governments, employers, communities and individuals.

As a recruitment partner to the social care and community services sector, we believe that strengthening the workforce is one important part of this response.

Organisations need skilled, compassionate and appropriately supported professionals to deliver safe, trauma-informed services.

They also need sustainable workforces, strong leadership and the resources to meet growing community needs.

Recruitment alone cannot solve domestic and family violence. But helping organisations build capable, resilient teams is one way we can contribute to the broader effort.

Join the No More Empty Shoes Vigil

We encourage our clients, candidates, colleagues and wider community to support this important event.

Event details

• Date: Wednesday 25 November 2026
• Time: 8:00am – 1:30pm, with speakers and presentations from 12:00pm
• Location: Martin Place, Sydney, between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets
• Cost: Free

The event will feature keynote speaker Tarang Chawla and a special performance by Tim Minchin.

Every pair of shoes represents someone who should still be here.

At HiTalent Recruitment, we stand with victim-survivors, remember the lives lost and acknowledge the dedicated professionals working every day to make our communities safer.

Because everyone deserves to live free from violence.

Learn more: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/empty-shoes

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.