Published on Tuesday, 25 September 2018 at 3:28:40 PM

A new purple bench sits in Hyde Park to honour victims of domestic homicide and includes a plaque encouraging people to seek advice and support if they need it.

The new purple bench is one of many that are being installed in public spaces across the state through partnerships between the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services in WA and local councils.

“The purple bench movement started in Canada in 2015 to honour the memory of Barb Baillie and has since spread across the world,” said Deputy Mayor Susan Gontaszewski.

“This bench remembers those who have all died in WA recently, a shocking 23 victims since the start of the year. It is for anyone who is currently experiencing the domestic and family violence.”

“I’d like to commend the Women’s Council for their work in raising awareness and also all they do to help victims on a daily basis,” she said.

The Women's Council is campaigning to have more purple benches in our communities to honour local victims and act as a visual reminder of the prevalence of domestic and family violence and its consequences within our communities.

“The presence of a Purple Bench raises public awareness and provides the opportunity for this important issue to remain visible. It provides a physical place to reflect about the important work achieved to date and how we can move over the next generations to bring an end to domestic and family violence,” said Angela Hartwig, CEO of the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services in WA.

If you need advice and support contact Women’s DV Helpline 9233 1188 and 1800 007 339.

More Information

Women's Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services

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