The City of Logan will today unveil its first ‘purple bench’ – a landmark tribute to victims of domestic violence.
Purple bench seats were first installed in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2015 to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of local woman Barb Baillie, who was murdered by her violent husband.
Since then, purple benches have appeared across America, and more recently in Australia, to honour the victims of domestic and family violence and to increase awareness of the issues faced every day by some women and children.
Logan City Council has painted and installed the city’s first purple bench in Beenleigh Town Square.
It will be unveiled by Logan City Council Division 12 Councillor Karen Murphy, in conjunction with members of Soroptimist International Beenleigh.
City of Logan’s first purple bench (from left) Barbara Currell, Christine Johnstone, Irene Dosser and Vicki Bailey.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer organisation that advocates for human rights and gender equality for women and girls.
Cr Murphy said the unveiling of the purple bench would coincide with the beginning the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against domestic violence.
“This is a small addition to Beenleigh Town Square that will send a huge and powerful message,” Cr Murphy said.
“When anyone sees this purple bench, or sits on it, I hope they take the time to remember the victims of domestic violence and to reach out and assist anyone they think may be in a vulnerable situation.”
The purple bench, and an accompanying plaque, will be unveiled in Beenleigh Town Square at 4pm on Wednesday, November 25.
It will be followed by a ‘silent vigil’ walk along the nearby footpaths of City Road and George and Main Streets.
