‘Take a seat to take a stand’: Red bench signals safety
The Mater’s emergency department now has a freshly painted red bench – and one domestic violence survivor says its installation could save lives.
Lorna Fox was subjected to physical abuse and coercive control in her life, and said domestic violence could happen to anyone, including “strong, intelligent women”.
“The more we see it, acknowledge it, call it out and support each other, the further our society can reduce these harms,” Ms Fox said.
The Red Bench initiative, created by the Red Rose Foundation, encourages people to “take a seat to take a stand” against domestic and family violence (DFV).
The inclusion of the bench is visible signal to all visitors a that staff at Mater Private Hospital Townsville can offer DFV support.
Ms Fox said it took her years to recover from her DFV abuse.
“But with the help of my fabulous psychologist to treat my post-traumatic stress disorder, and with the support of my friends and family I was able to move forward,” she said.
“I hope I can help others be brave enough to reach out and ask for help.”
Mater domestic and family violence specialist project officer Rebecca Latham said the presence of a red bench in a public location aimed to keep the issue of DFV visible.
A particular section of the medical field on the frontline of DFV is midwives.
“The peri-natal period (pregnancy and newborn stage) is a known high-risk time for women in terms of DFV,” Ms
Latham said. “It’s when DFV can either begin or escalate.
“I have spoken with midwives from Mater Mothers’ Private Townsville who have voiced concerns about nonphysical DFV or coercive control patterns in patients, and they wanted to know how best to support patients.”
Ms Latham said the reason why the peri-natal period was so high risk for DFV was “complex” but in general controlling partners were challenged by all the change that occurs – including a woman “investing emotionally in their new baby”.
Since the launch of red benches, there are now more than 400 installed around Australia.
Every day, almost 40 phone calls are made to the Townsville police’s domestic and family violence and vulnerable persons unit.