Take a Seat to Stand Up Against Domestic Violence

Published 06 March 2020

Change often starts with a conversation, and Moreton Bay residents are being encouraged to speak out against domestic violence (DV) in the region’s first Red Bench Program initiative.

Launching the region-wide roll-out from Bribie Island today, Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) said it was time for change.

“The 12 benches around our region are bright, bold, and impossible to ignore - like the scourge of domestic violence,” Cr Savige said.

“With 1-in-6 women and 1-in-20 men experiencing domestic violence in Australia, this is an issue and a conversation we absolutely must bring out from behind closed doors.

“I want to encourage locals to reach out for help, to groups like Hairdressers With Hearts and Caboolture Regional Domestic Violence Services who can link you with professional support. Because domestic violence isn’t just physical, it can be emotional, sexual, social, financial or even spiritual abuse.

“Help is at hand if you reach out.”

The red bench initiative is the brainchild of the Red Rose Foundation and CEO Betty Taylor says her mission is to end domestic violence related deaths in Australia.

“In 2019, there was 2050 domestic violence protection order breaches reported in the Moreton Bay Region,” she said.

“But more alarming is the number of unreported incidents, because we have no way of identifying those families in crisis to offer them help.

“That’s why these benches are so important, to prompt people to start an uncomfortable conversation that could literally save lives.”

MBRC Acting Mayor Mike Charlton said Councils across Queensland have an important role to play, as the level of government closest to people’s daily lives.

“I congratulate the Premier on last week’s announcement that a bipartisan domestic violence summit will be convened to identify a way forward following the initiatives that came from the landmark Not Now Not Ever report,” Cr Charlton said.

“It’s important that this is done as the State Government prepares the 2020-21 Budget so that we can implement a state-wide response as soon as possible.

“Clearly all levels of government and all political parties recognise the importance of addressing domestic violence, but the change that we need to see starts at home, which is why Council wants to help start that conversation.”

List of Red Benches in the region:

  • Bongaree Jetty precinct, Toorbul Street, Bongaree
  • Arthur Hayes Community Complex, Raymond Terrace, Deception Bay
  • Caboolture Town Square, King Street, Caboolture
  • Lake Eden precinct, Memorial Drive, North Lakes
  • Henry Pieper Park, Anzac Avenue, Kippa Ring
  • John Oxley Park, Marine Parade, Redcliffe
  • Corner of School Road and Anzac Avenues, Kallangur
  • Gympie Road, Strathpine (near the Court House)
  • Moreton Bay Regional Council Strathpine Administration Building, Hall Street, Strathpine
  • Ferny Way, Ferny Hills
  • Narangba Town Square, Young Road, Narangba
  • Archer Street, Woodford
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