While May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, thankfully there is a clear sign around not only the Bundaberg region but throughout Australia that victims are not alone.
In conjunction with the Red Rose Foundation, the Red Bench in a public location aims to raise awareness and provide an opportunity for DFV to remain visible.
Thankfully when it comes to red benches, the Bundaberg region has welcomed the opportunity to have them in a number of locations:
• 25 November 2020, The Bundaberg Regional Council installed one at the Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre.
• 25 November 2020, The Bundaberg Regional Council also installed one at Alexandra Park Children’s Playground.
• 28 May 2023, The Anglican Mothers Union installed a red bench in the church grounds.
• 1 August 2023, Church of Christ Care installed a red bench within the facility gardens.
• 27 May 2024, the Mater Group installed a red bench in the Mater Hospital Bundaberg grounds.
The Red Bench Project is a signature initiative of the Red Rose Foundation, aiming to provide a visible reminder of the deep-seated and long-standing issue of domestic and family violence.
Red Benches are installed in public locations, each bearing a plaque with the message: “Change the ending: let’s stop domestic violence.” and are intended to spark conversation, reflection, and awareness, keeping the issue visible and encouraging community action.
They encourage us to become part of the solution – and provide a listening ear and signpost support at the earliest opportunity – so that fewer women and children end up in crisis, fighting for their lives or a statistic of fatal domestic abuse.
They also serve as reminder to victim-survivors of domestic violence that they are not alone and send a powerful message to perpetrators that domestic and family violence has no place in this community.
The Red Rose Foundation, established in 2016, evolved from the Domestic Violence Death Review Action Group (DVDRAG), which was formed in 2004 to campaign for the creation of a Domestic Violence Death Review Board in Queensland.
Founding members Betty Taylor and Di Macleod were instrumental in this early advocacy, particularly around the dangers of non-lethal strangulation-a risk factor for domestic violence deaths that was not widely recognised at the time.
Their efforts contributed to legislative change, resulting in the establishment of a specific criminal offence of non-lethal strangulation in Queensland.
Since its inception, the Red Rose Foundation has become a national not-for-profit organisation focused on preventing domestic and family violence (DFV) deaths, including homicides, suicides, and premature deaths related to DFV. The Foundation’s work includes:
• Monitoring outcomes and recommendations from Domestic Violence Death Review Boards across Australia.
• Organising Red Rose Rallies to honour and remember those killed due to domestic violence.
• Providing direct support to survivors of high-risk, high-harm domestic violence, including through the establishment of Australia’s first Strangulation Trauma Centre (this is also a world first).
• Delivering specialist training and resources for professionals and advocating for systemic change through research and policy engagement.
• Engaging in public education and community awareness initiatives, such as the Red Bench Project and annual memorial services.
The Foundation’s impact is reflected in its leadership role in legislative reform, public awareness campaigns, and the provision of trauma-informed services for survivors.
The Red Rose Foundation remains committed to supporting those affected by domestic and family violence and eradicating it from our communities through a range of ongoing and future initiatives:
• Continuing to provide trauma-informed counselling and therapeutic support for survivors of strangulation.
• Expanding public education and awareness campaigns, including the Red Bench Project and Red Rose Rallies
• Delivering high-quality specialist training and resources for professionals working in the DFV sector.
• Advocating for systemic reform and monitoring the implementation of recommendations from Domestic Violence Death Review Boards so that fatalities can be prevented.
• Fostering partnerships with government and community agencies to enhance understanding, prevention, and responses to DFV.
The work of the Red Rose Foundation is grounded in the belief that domestic and family violence deaths are largely predictable and preventable.
By focusing on high-risk factors, promoting community awareness, and supporting survivors, the Red Rose Foundation aims to change the ending for those at risk (prevent deaths) and create safer communities across Australia
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, observed annually in May, is a crucial time for raising awareness about the impacts of DFV and the support available to those affected. The month’s key aims include:
• Raising community awareness of DFV and its impacts.
• Promoting a clear message of zero tolerance for DFV.
• Ensuring that those experiencing DFV know how to access help and support.
• Encouraging perpetrators to take responsibility and seek change.
The month provides an opportunity to talk about the issue to come together, share information, educate themselves and others in DFV and its impact, and to advocate for cultural and policy change.
It is a time when the devastating impact of DFV is brought to the forefront, reinforcing the importance of prevention, education, and support services.
Red Rose Foundation chief executive officer Lucy Lord said when a community installs a Red Bench, it provides a visible commitment to supporting victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and fostering a community where everyone feels safe to speak out.
“Every red bench tells victims that they are not alone and gives us all a call to action: let’s talk, let’s listen, and let’s change the ending for women, children, and families at risk. Together, we can make a difference.”
