Crowds have gathered across the country to honour the scores of women who have died in acts of violence.

The vigils were organised by the National Rally Collective, a volunteer-led group of victim-survivors and others dedicated to stamping out gendered violence.

In Sydney's Hyde Park, flowers were laid on a string of hearts — each representing a woman who had been killed this year.

Scores of men and women sat in silence to pay tribute to their lives.

Sydney vigil attendee Mia Findlay said community engagement was key to preventing gendered violence.

"We are asking for more community engagement, particularly from men," she said.

"We know that not all men are abusive, but that many men are indifferent to this issue and it's time for them to shake off that indifference and get engaged."

Scores of women dead

The ABC has been tracking violence against women, perpetrated by men.

This year, 56 women have allegedly been murdered by a man in instances of gendered violence.

That averages out to more than one woman a week allegedly killed by a man.

Advocacy group Full Stop Australia's chief executive Karen Bevan said the statistics didn't paint a complete picture.

"We know that for every woman who has been murdered, there are many, many more women who today, tomorrow and yesterday, who were living in situations where they were afraid, where they were subject to violence, where they were scared for their children, and where their children were scared," she said.

Storms soak Brisbane event

In Brisbane, the vigil event had to be moved to the Norman Park Sports and Community Club from the CBD as wet weather lashed the city.

Parts of south-east Queensland recorded about 100 millimetres of rain on Saturday afternoon.

Dozens still braved the wet conditions to attend the vigil, many bringing flowers and candles with them.

Brooke Gillham works for What Were You Wearing, an organisation aimed at ending sexual violence and one of the co-hosts of the event.

"We have to make sure that we take that moment to mourn and to remember these women for the beautiful human beings that they were and their lives were taken so violently," she said.

"This work is incredibly important and it's important for us to come together peacefully and calmly and actually just mourn and heel together."

Survivor speaks at Canberra event

About 60 people gathered in Canberra to take part in Saturday night's vigil, described by organisers as a time for mourning and reflection as well as an evening to honour those who had died.

Jess Winslow attended the Canberra vigil as a survivor of sexual abuse herself and as a friend and sibling to other survivors.

Ms Winslow said she had been attending as many vigils as possible in recent months.

She said it was shocking that so many women were victims and urged more action from the federal government on the issue of domestic and sexual violence.

Ciara Collins is a volunteer with the National Rally Collective, who organised Saturday evening's vigil.

The mum of two described the ongoing toll of meeting and mourning lives lost as "emotional" and "heartbreaking".

"I am terrified for my little kids. I'm terrified for our whole community," she said.

"It's a time to … really share our voices and share our stories."

Despite the toll, she said there had been slow progress this year, including getting domestic violence declared as a national emergency.

But she said the next step was more grassroots community action and getting people comfortable "calling out men's behaviour" when it wasn't right.

Psychologist and volunteer Keira-Marie Allen also spoke at Saturday night's vigil.

She said in her day job she saw firsthand the importance of ensuring that survivors of violence were believed and heard.

"Even if they aren't in a position where they can leave or even want to leave yet … making sure they understand that there are things they can do to move to that point or stay safe as much as possible," she said.

Perth vigil reflects on 'terrifying' time

About 80 people, some with flowers and candles, gathered on the steps of Parliament House in Perth to honour the lives lost to gendered violence.

Event organiser Georgia Govers said it was vital for the community to come together in this "terrifying" time.

"I think it's just really important that we see each other. We see each other doing the work, and hopefully that bond will help us more forward," she said.

During her speech, Senator Dorinda Cox said the number of fatalities is shocking.

"In 25 years working in the sector I don't think I've ever seen a number this high," she said.

"I don't think I've seen a lack of attention from a government who is so complicit."