A Purple Bench honouring victims of domestic homicide in Western Australia has been dedicated at the City of Cockburn’s civic square in Spearwood.
The Purple Bench initiative is part of efforts by the Women’s Council for Domestic & Family Violence Services (WA) to change public perceptions of violence against women and children.
The City is one of several West Australian local governments to participate in the project which uses the Purple Bench as a stark reminder that our community, including all levels of government, can make a difference, with little and large steps.
“The presence of the Purple Bench in a location where public events are held will provide the opportunity for this important issue to remain visible,” said Women’s Council CEO Angela Hartwig.
“It also provides a physical place to reflect about the important work achieved to date and how we can bring an end to domestic and family violence.”
City of Cockburn Community Development Manager Gail Bowman said family and domestic violence involved people of all ages and backgrounds, and had a flow on effect to the wider family, to children and the local community.
“We want our community to be a place that’s safe and free of fear for women and children, and any others impacted by family and domestic violence,” Ms Bowman said.
“The City of Cockburn is proud to have a Purple Bench here to honour all those who have suffered, reminding us of the continuing need to provide free and accessible support services to those in our community who need it.”
The Women’s Council represents more than 60 Domestic and Family Services across the State.
It provides representation on policy and decision making boards, advocates at National and State level through committees and advisory bodies on behalf of its members, and provides community education and training, research and information and referral for victims.
The Purple Bench project began in Canada in 2015 when a bench was installed at a Nova Scotia park to mark the 25th anniversary of the murder of Barb Baillie by her husband.
Purple was chosen due to its worldwide association with the Domestic Violence Awareness movement.
Pictured l-r: Women's Council (WA) Chairperson Anne Moore and CEO Angela Hartwig at the City of Cockburn's Purple Bench.