The City of Bayswater has proudly partnered with Orana House this week to unveil five purple benches to raise awareness of violence against women and children.
The Purple Bench Project supports the installation of purple benches in public spaces to honour victims of domestic and family violence.
New purple benches were unveiled over two days in partnership with Orana House, a provider of accommodation, advocacy and support for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said it was an important issue in the community that needed to be addressed.
“Family and domestic violence is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations, which often remains unreported due to stigma and shame surrounding the trauma,” she said.
“Domestic violence is a key contributor to homelessness within the City, as detailed in our Local Homelessness Strategy 2021-2025.
“In partnership with Orana House, the City aims to actively change community behaviour to prevent family and domestic violence.”
Orana House Assistant Manager Regina C. said, “The days of ‘What happens behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors’ should be ejected from social culture…Fear is the single biggest driver of women staying in violent relationships – it’s easy to ask, ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’ But for those threatened, it’s not that simple.
“If we could all get into the headspace of a woman living in fear, it would be so much easier to understand the complex turmoil that she lives with each and every day, trying to lessen his (the perpetrator’s) impact on her family unit.”
Purple benches are now located at Noranda Athletics Sporting Complex, Alan Lehman Reserve, Nellie Tant Reserve, Maylands Tennis Club and The RISE. Unveilings were followed by a minute’s silence to honour those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic and family violence.
City of Bayswater Councillors, staff and local community group members came together for the event, including City of Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti, Deputy Mayor Catherine Ehrhardt, Hon. Dr Brian Follett Walker MLC, Hon. Alanna Clohesy MLC, Hon. Donna Faragher MLC, Ms Lisa Baker MLA, Mr Simon Millman MLA, Cr Josh Eveson, Cr Sally Palmer, Cr Lorna Clarke, Cr Michelle Sutherland, Cr Assunta Meleca and Cr Dan Bull.
Domestic violence is a key contributor to homelessness in the City, as detailed in our Local Homelessness Strategy 2021–2025.
If you are experiencing homelessness or looking for family and relationship support, the City has a range of resources and publications available.
Find out more and read the Strategy.