Cambridge Stands with '16 Days in WA' Campaign

Published on 04 December 2023

In a concerted effort to combat domestic violence and promote positive change, the Town of Cambridge is proud to stand alongside the "16 Days in WA" campaign. This annual initiative, running from 25 November to 10 December, aims to transform behaviours and attitudes that contribute to domestic violence. Residents are encouraged to actively participate in creating meaningful change during this period.

As part of this commitment, the Town is actively engaged in the Purple Bench Project, an impactful initiative dedicated to raising awareness and honouring the memories of those affected by domestic violence. The project involves the installation of benches at prominent locations, each prominently displaying a helpline number for information and support. The Purple Benches can be found at Lake Monger, Perry Lakes, Harborne Park, and City Beach Foreshore.

Residents are urged to familiarise themselves with these locations and the helpline number: Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline at 1800 007 339. The Town encourages everyone to actively support the cause and be aware of the resources available in their community.

The 16 Days in WA campaign draws inspiration from the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Now in its seventh year, the campaign focuses on changing culture, behaviour, and attitudes that lead to violence against women and their children. This year's theme is "Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part".

Originating in Canada, the Purple Bench Project was introduced to WA by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing (CWSW) in 2018. This organisation, formerly known as the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services WA, is an independent, representative peak body for women's specialist Domestic Violence Advocacy (DVA). The Purple Bench Project aims to commemorate victims of domestic and family violence and provides essential crisis contact numbers.

Since its inception in 2018, the Purple Bench Project has seen a growing number of benches installed by local authorities and Members of Parliament across the state, including within the Town of Cambridge.

The Town encourages residents to actively participate in the "16 Days in WA" campaign, taking this opportunity to educate, motivate, and advocate for the prevention of family and domestic violence. Together, as a community, we can make a difference.

In case of an emergency, please call 000 (triple zero). For non-emergency support, reach out to the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline at 1800 007 339, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic & Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT), or Crisis Care at 1800 199 008.

Remember, there are four purple benches in Cambridge located at Lake Monger, Perry Lakes, Harborne Park, and City Beach Foreshore, serving as visible reminders of our collective commitment to ending domestic violence.