Purple bench installed in memory of domestic violence victims

A bench outside the Donnybrook Community Resource Centre has been painted purple in memory of victims of domestic homicide and abuse.

The gesture is part of a program that originated in Canada in 2015 prior to the first bench in WA being launched by the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk last year.

Centre manager Sue Martin said domestic violence was a topic that needed to be talked about more.

“It’s still happening and we need to keep doing things to bring it to light to help the victims of domestic abuse whether they are male, female or children,” she said.

“It’s there so people ask the question and there is a plaque on the bench which has the details of where to go for help.”

The bench was officially unveiled by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray on Wednesday and was funded by a micro-grant available to centres across the State.

“I stand behind the Donnybrook CRC in their efforts to raise awareness for the serious issue of domestic and family violence,” Mr Murray said.

“The purple bench will act as an honour to the memory of the victims of domestic violence.”

Donnybrook-Balingup Shire Council also contributed towards covering the costs of the project.