The month of May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and the Red Rose Foundation is determined to raise awareness of the scourge of domestic and family violence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Conversations from the Red Bench” encourages residents to find their nearest red bench, take a photo and share it to social media with their comment on what they or their business, school or community group are doing to help end domestic and family violence.
Red Rose Foundation Director Andrea Frost said that red benches had popped up around the Darling Downs inspiring conversations about domestic and family violence.
“Something simple like a red bench placed in our local parks and communities is a visual reminder that we can all do something to help,” Ms Frost said.
“If you see or hear something, then we really do have a responsibility to do something,” she said.
COVID-19 restrictions have added significant challenges to identifying and protecting those at risk of domestic and family violence.
Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said that Google had recently reported a 75% increase in searches relating to domestic and family violence compared to the average number of searches across the last 5 years.
“Sadly, there is an increased demand for domestic and family violence support services due to COVID-19 related financial pressures, self-isolation and gathering restrictions,” Mr Janetzki said.
“More than ever, we need to get behind the work of the Red Rose Foundation to protect the most vulnerable in our community,” he said.
To get involved with the “Conversations from the Red Bench” initiative please send a photo and a short comment to [email protected].
If personally posting to any social media platform, please use the hashtag #benchchat.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and need help or support please contact 1800 RESPECT or the Queensland Police Service.