Sign of support against violence

A brightly coloured bench has been installed outside a support centre to provide a visible reminder of the impact of domestic violence.

The bench was set up at the Karingal Neighbourhood Centre in Paraburdoo after the organisation received a $100 grant from Linkwest as part of its Purple Bench micro grant fund.

The bench includes a plaque that provides the details of a support helpline for victims of domestic violence.

The neighbourhood centre acts as a multi-purpose hub, housing community services such as Centrelink and Medicare and also provides counselling and childcare services.

Centre manager Tenille Simmons said the bench would act as a permanent reminder of the impacts of domestic and family violence.

“We feel that the Purple Bench initiative provides a permanent reminder that domestic and family violence exists in all communities and every West Australian has a responsibility to recognise and respond appropriately to this devastating issue in our community,” she said.