Purple public benches to raise domestic and family violence awareness

The City of Canning have shown their support for the victims of domestic and family violence in the form of purple public benches.

The City have unveiled two purple benches outside Rostrata Family Centre at Prendwick Reserve in Willetton, along with another two at the Bentley Hub.

Painted purple to represent the global domestic and family violence awareness movement, the benches are part of an initiative by the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services of WA.

Zonta House Refuge Association chief executive Kelda Oppermann said the presence of the benches in the local community was an important step towards tackling the societal issues.

“Having the purple benches supported by and in our local community provides an opportunity to commemorate the innocent lives taken due to family and domestic violence, provides support help lines and creates the opportunity for conversation,” she said.

“Conversations that can lead to education and awareness, both which are necessary to stop family and domestic violence.

“We look forward to seeing the number of purple benches continue to grow – commemorating those who have lost their lives, provide another avenue for people to access support and to raise awareness of the societal issue.”

Each purple bench displays help numbers for victims seeking support and assistance and Canning’s four benches are amongst 45 being installed in WA.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is open 24-7 to support people impacted by family and domestic violence, sexual assault and abuse.

Crisis Care is also open 24-7 for anyone in crisis needing urgent help 08 9233 1111.