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New town bench sparks conversation on DV

Emma TaylorNarrogin Observer
Shire of Narrogin Chief Executive Dale Stewart, Councillor Jacqui Early and Shire President Leigh Ballard
Camera IconShire of Narrogin Chief Executive Dale Stewart, Councillor Jacqui Early and Shire President Leigh Ballard Credit: Picture: Shire of Narrogin

The bright purple park bench sitting under the jacaranda trees on Williams Road is a timely reminder of the battle against domestic violence.

Bought by the Shire’s Townscape Advisory Committee last month, the bench is a show of support for International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Situated near Narrogin Health Campus, it was installed for community use and to spark thoughts and conversations about preventing family and domestic violence.

According to the State Government, one in five women has reported experiencing partner violence since the age of 15.

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Shire of Narrogin Chief Executive Dale Stewart, Councillor Jacqui Early and Shire President Leigh Ballard
Camera IconShire of Narrogin Chief Executive Dale Stewart, Councillor Jacqui Early and Shire President Leigh Ballard

The Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services has been helping to establish purple benches Statewide.

The purple bench movement started in Canada in 2015 to honour the memory of women murdered by their partners. The Women’s Council for DFVS approached Shire president Leigh Ballard, who said he was eager for Narrogin to be involved.

“It’s done for recognition — recognition that we need to make sure domestic violence stops, as well as the recognition of those who have been involved in domestic violence,” Cr Ballard said.

“We want people to know that it’s not gone unseen, and do every little bit we can to generate awareness of the issue.”

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