Bench marks stand against violence

The City of Kwinana in partnership with the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services last week unveiled its purple bench in support of domestic violence prevention month.

Located at the entrance of the Kwinana Recquatic Centre, it joins a series of purple benches in public spaces around the State to honour all victims killed as a result of domestic and family violence.

Mayor Carol Adams said the financial and social cost of domestic violence was substantial and highlighted the importance of initiatives to raise awareness and provide support to communities.

She said WA had seen an increase in domestic violence over the past decade, with the State identified in the 2018 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report as having the nation’s highest family and domestic violence rates.

“We hope this bench will be a visual reminder of the prevalence of family and domestic violence and that it may also offer a place of quiet reflection for those who have been impacted,” she said.