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Benches support campaign

Jacinta CantatoreHarvey-Waroona Reporter
Shire of Harvey president Tania Jackson and Community Development Officer Stella Johnson take a seat in support of demostic violence victims on one of the shire's Purple Seats.
Camera IconShire of Harvey president Tania Jackson and Community Development Officer Stella Johnson take a seat in support of demostic violence victims on one of the shire's Purple Seats. Credit: Jacinta Cantatore/Jacinta Cantatore

Harvey has been given “a touch of purple” in support of victims of domestic homicide in Western Australia.

Three of the town’s park benches were repainted to become part of the Purple Benches initiative launched last year by the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services.

The State-wide campaign was inspired by a similar project in Canada in 2015, with purple being chosen because it is globally associated with the domestic violence awareness campaign.

Harvey shire president Tania Jackson said all councillors had fully supported the idea to commemorate victims of domestic violence.

“Every week in Australia one woman gets killed by a current or former partner,” Cr Jackson said.

“The seats were installed with enthusiasm by staff and now the plaques have arrived we can unveil the finishing touches to the seats.

“These seats are to honour all victims of domestic violence.”

At the end of 2018, the council’s annual dinner was themed ‘A touch of purple’ to further support the Purple Benches project.

Harvey shire community development officer Stella Johnson said about 3 per cent of offences within the shire involved sexual assault and domestic violence.

“While this does not seem like a high percentage, there are offences that are generally not reported and are therefore not readily recognised and responded to in an adequate manner,” Ms Johnson said.

The plaques are inscribed with the message, “In honour of all victims of domestic homicide in WA. If you need advice and support please phone Women’s DV helpline on 9223 1188 or 1800 007 339.”

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