Ongerup paints benches in ‘wisdom purple’ as tribute to domestic violence victims

The Yongernow-Ongerup Community Resource Centre has painted a bench purple in support of domestic violence victims today after encouraging community involvement to pay tribute and raise awareness for the cause. The purple benches come just weeks after a survey found that 1 in 3 Australians believe that women ‘weaponise’ sexual assault and violence, and a staggering 35 per cent believe that reports of unequal treatment against women are exaggerated. The project is supported by local communities, including Albany Men’s Shed which has generously crafted a bench for the Yongernow-Ongerup CRC to paint in a spectacular purple. The bench has been funded by the CRC along with grants from Linkwest, the Loftus Community Centre, and EEO Equal Opportunity Specialists. The colour chosen for the bench is ‘purple wisdom’, with young painters given safe purple acrylic paint and older contributors varnishing the bench. Young artists also painted colourful birdhouses that will be placed near the bench, installing some vivid purple into Ongerup. Shire of Gnowangerup CEO David Nicholson and Community Engagement Officer Donna Rodney joined the community in painting the benches purple, braving the purple paint and avoiding clothing stains. The National Community Attitudes Towards Violence Against Women survey is conducted once every four years. The latest survey found there is a gap in understanding the basis of gendered violence. Respect Victoria CEO Emily Maguire said there can be a disconnect between the idea of domestic violence and identifying it in communities as well as what forms the very basis of domestic violence and certain behaviours that can be explained away. “Too many Australians still believe there are excuses for violence, that men can’t control themselves and women make up accusations of violence, that tracking your partner is okay. “Violence against women is happening in our own backyards, in every suburb and town in the country. “It can be hard to recognise because you haven’t experienced or heard about it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening,” said Ms Maguire. The bench is a tribute to all victims of domestic homicide and will be displayed in the Ongerup community as a significant piece of art.