Red bench project raises awareness about domestic violence

Park benches in Isaac’s open spaces have been painted red to prompt conversations towards ending domestic violence-related deaths in Australia.

The Red Bench Project from the Red Rose Foundation aims to create a permanent reminder that domestic violence occurs within all communities.

Mayor Anne Baker said domestic and family violence affects women, men, children and families from all sections of society.

“Domestic violence has no place in our communities and this project is a statement that we as a community must take a more public stand,” Mayor Baker said.

“Isaac Regional Council has partnered with the Red Rose Foundation to raise public awareness and provide a visual reminder of this important issue.

“The simple act of painting a park bench is designed to make people stop and think about domestic violence in our communities.

“We have chosen seven sites for the red benches that features a simple message on a plaque - ‘Change the ending: let’s stop domestic violence’.”

The seven benches are located at Rose Harris Park in Clermont, in front of the Council office at Nebo, the Dysart Civic Centre in Anzac Square at Dysart, near the St Lawrence pool nearby the local sportsground, Middlemount Community Hall, Moranbah Town Square and Glenden’s town centre.

The project is also in conjunction with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month this May with theme being, All of us, together.

This theme drives home the message that to achieve real and lasting positive cultural change, all levels of society need to be involved and act against domestic and family-related violence.

Download the Queensland Government’s plans on tackling domestic violence through their third action plan of the domestic and family violence prevention strategy 2019–20 to 2021–22 here https://bit.ly/3KXacE2.

Visit https://www.redrosefoundation.com.au for more information on the Red Bench Project.

If you, or someone you know, need safety and support these services may be helpful DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811, DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120, Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the national family violence counselling service is on 1800 737 732.

In an emergency call the police on Triple Zero.