Purple bench project aims to fight domestic violence
The Soroptimist International Lautoka branch has taken a creative approach in combatting domestic violence through their purple bench project.
This year the group is focussing on creating awareness in Lautoka schools by painting its benches.
On Saturday, the group started their project at Andhra Sangam Primary School in Lautoka.
Branch president Zareena Bi said the domestic violence toll free numbers and the child helpline numbers were also painted on the benches.
“This is the first for the school facilities,” she said.
“Last year as our first project we painted purple benches along the marine drive and we’ve written the national domestic violence helplines or the toll-free numbers.
“Purple colour is actually in remembrance for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence, the number of deaths in the past years has been significant.”
She said the group was now aiming to establish the project within schools in Lautoka. “We will be painting benches and amenities so that the message goes out to parents and people going in and out of the school. It will be of help to those going through domestic violence silently in their homes,” Ms Bi said.
She said painted benches would place in strategic places within the school
“A few of our sister clubs overseas have done this so we thought this would be a good project to do here and whichever schools want to partner with us, we will work with them,” she said.
The group can be contacted on 9322621.