Albany police and Anglicare WA unveil orange bench on Stirling Terrace to launch 16 Days in WA campaign

Stirling Terrace is now home to a bright orange bench painted and unveiled by Albany police as a permanent reminder of the importance of stepping up to help eradicate domestic violence.

Last Tuesday, police and Anglicare WA unveiled the bench on Stirling Terrace, directly across the road from the Albany police station, with a plaque dedicated to this year’s 16 Days in WA theme, “Play your part”.

The bench was a joint project, with donations from Bunnings and the City of Albany helping get the bench ready in time for the November 25 launch of 16 Days in WA.

Great Southern domestic violence response team leader Sgt Lorena Simpson said the bench would act as a permanent way to raise awareness around the impact of domestic violence.

“Walking into a police station when you’ve reported a case of domestic violence must be the most daunting experience, and we wanted to make a bit of a talking point that can spread awareness and help people understand the impact of domestic violence,” she said.

“We want people to be reminded all the time, not just during the 16 Days in WA, that domestic violence is an ongoing issue, and many people do suffer in silence because they are too scared to reach out for help.

“So playing your part to eradicate it will always be essential.”

This year’s theme for 16 Days in WA encourages members of the community to do what they can to stop domestic violence.

Sgt Simpson said speaking up can be key.

“If you see something, say something,” she said.

“It’s about doing whatever you can to help someone who needs it, if you’re a friend and you can listen and support someone that can be a huge help, even if you’re not confident in doing anything further.

“There has been a significant rise in reports of family and domestic violence, but the statistics are not as clear as they seem, because so much used to go on behind closed doors,” she said.

“The stigma of reporting domestic violence was huge, and most people wouldn’t discuss their personal relationships or their marriage with anyone.

“We’re receiving more reports now, and that number does rise every year, which means in part that domestic violence is becoming more prevalent, but it also means more victims are becoming empowered to report what’s happening to them and get help.

“If we’re not getting the reports, we can’t deal with the situation.

“Reporting domestic violence is certainly not something to be ashamed of.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.