Rockingham Purple Park Bench launched

THE Rockingham Purple Park Bench was launched today (November 26).

The commemorative launch was hosted by the City of Rockingham in partnership with the Women’s Council for Family and Domestic Violence Services (WA).

Located at City Park in Rockingham, the Purple Bench is part of an awareness campaign focusing on the prevalence of domestic and family violence in the community.

The commemorative bench will have a plaque honouring victims of domestic and family violence and will also provide contact numbers for help and support agencies.

The Purple Bench is part of an international initiative that began in Nova Scotia, Canada, which acknowledges the memory of women murdered by their partners. The colour was chosen in line with the global domestic violence awareness movement.

Mayor Barry Sammels said the Purple Bench would act as a stark reminder that domestic and family violence was a widespread issue in the community.

“The City of Rockingham is proud to support the Purple Bench initiative which honours those who have suffered from domestic and family violence,” he said.

“Family and domestic violence affects people of all ages and backgrounds,” he said.

“Statistics show that one in three women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 and that it is also the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Australia.

“The commemorative Purple Bench at City Park will act as a strong reminder that domestic and family violence has a huge impact on the community.

“It will also provide contact numbers for help and support agencies that residents can access should they ever need assistance with domestic or family violence related matters.”

The launch of the Purple Bench initiative in Rockingham was held in association with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence international campaign.