Roleystone Anglican Church has taken up the challenge of helping end the scourge of domestic violence plaguing our community.
On the 29th March, a purple bench will be consecrated, on the church grounds, by the local Archbishop, as part of a broader movement to raise awareness of, and combat, domestic and family violence.
The Purple Bench Project is part of a worldwide movement to raise awareness, and support, for women who have faced domestic violence.
Purple is recognised internationally as the colour of the Global Domestic Violence Awareness Movement and also commemorates the lives of those lost in such violence.
Churchwarden June Ormerod said the event sends a clear message.
“It’s to support and prevent family domestic violence, and to help out, to cope with it, if you have been in it, because it’s surprising how much of it is out there,” she said.
“We’re aiming with this to focus on the local community here in Roleystone,” she said.
Mrs Ormerod has described a wish to engage as much of the community as possible in this activity, even those unaffiliated with the Anglican church.
“We’re trying to get the Mayor of Armadale and others to come too. We want all sorts of different people involved.
“On the bench, there’ll be a phone number you can call if you’re in need of support. It’s just outside the church, in the vestry, just before you walk in the door,” said Mrs Ormerod, describing the specific function of the bench.
“We at Anglicare will provide support to anyone, regardless of their religious affiliation,” she emphasised.
“The nearest support centre to our church for those who have suffered family violence, or a range of different issues, is over in Gosnells.
“It can happen anywhere. There’s no denying that. Whether you’ve got lots of money or not so much. There’s a lot of it happening. It’s unfortunately happening among church communities as well.”
