The Red Rose Foundation have launched the Red Bench Project to build a permanent reminder that domestic violence occurs within all of our communities. The presence of a Red Bench in a public location aims to raise public awareness and provide an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible. It is our aim to have at least one Red Bench in every local government area in Queensland. Each bench will carry a plaque.
There are now over 40 red benches from local government, state government and community groups. The Red Rose Foundation is a National not for profit charity who works to end domestic violence across our communities. We are especially concerned at the high number of domestic violence deaths that occur each year through homicide and suicide. We also acknowledge that tragically, many domestic violence related deaths have many predictive elements and are largely considered preventable.
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The Red Rose Foundation hopes that the indiscreet nature of the benches would encourage people from all walks of life to stop, sit and read the plaque.
“People may not have violence in their life, but everyone can offer support or intervene if it’s safe to do so and that’s why we want the benches in prominent places in the community,”
“Domestic violence goes across all cultures, socioeconomic groups and there’s hardly anyone now who hasn’t been touched or experienced domestic violence in our neighborhoods.”
Bellara Neighborhood Watch group and the Moreton Bay Regional Council have worked together to create the latest Red Bench on Bribie Island. It is situated on Marine Pde, Bellara.
This is one of the initiatives supported by Bellara Neighborhood Watch. If you would like to be a part of Bellara Neighborhood Watch the next meeting is:
When: Monday March 15th at 10am.
Where: Volunteer Marine Rescue, Marine Pde, Bellara All welcome.
Stacey Olson – Area Coordinator – Bellara NHW