Domestic violence campaigners say a freshly painted red bench outside Mater Private Hospital Springfield could become a lifeline for victims of abuse.
United to take a stand against domestic and family violence, Mater Private Hospital Springfield General Manager Suzanne Hawksley, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding and representatives from the Queensland Police came together today (Friday 31 May) to officially unveil a red bench installed for the Greater Springfield community.
The red bench at Mater Private Hospital Springfield will serve as a signal to victims of domestic violence that Mater clinicians provide a safe space for disclosure and are ready to help.
Last year, Queensland Police received more than 140,000 calls involving DFV, with most frontline officers responding to at least one domestic violence related incident every shift.
Caboolture domestic and family violence survivor Jacque Lachmund knows first-hand the impact of experiencing abuse at home.
“I put up with being abused for eight years before I spoke to someone,” said Mrs Lachmund, a grandmother of four.
“It was about 20 years ago, and back then abuse was not talked about. It happened behind closed doors and stayed that way.
“Now we are having conversations about domestic violence.”
Ms Lachmund, who is a mother and grandmother, now has her own DFV consulting business and said she felt empowered to speaking openly about her situation to help others.
She said the unveiling of the red bench showed the Ipswich community was coming together.
“What it means to me as a survivor is that I didn’t know my community cared, now it’s visible and we have the opportunity to create conversations,” she said.
“For me, I know there was a long journey of healing and recovery.
“Seeking help from specialist services and psychologists is a journey, and this red bench at Mater Private Hospital Springfield will help create that change for many patients who are experiencing abuse.”
Mater Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Project Officer Rebecca Latham said the presence of a red bench in a public location aimed to raise awareness and provide an opportunity for the issue to remain visible.
Ms Latham said the burden of disease created by domestic and family violence in our communities and on our health services was immeasurable.
“Improving awareness of DFV at Mater can positively impact thousands of health consumers and their dependents,” she said.
The red benches are part of a Mater-wide project, Addressing Domestic Abuse, was funded through community donations to Mater Foundation and involved DFV education and training to Mater staff and patients to raise organisational awareness.
Ms Latham said hospital staff have been skilled to assist with recognising, supporting, and engaging appropriate onward referrals for victims of domestic violence.
“The “destructive tentacles” of DFV harm were evident throughout Mater emergency departments, maternity services, rehabilitation wards, paediatric clinics, mental health units and through care provided to the elderly,” said Ms Latham.
The Red Bench project, launched by Red Rose Foundation chief executive officer Betty Taylor, has gained momentum across Australia, with the installation of over 400 red benches in various locations.
Mater hospitals across the state including Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville, Redland, Springfield, and South Brisbane have each unveiled red benches featuring a QR code linking those in need to resources and support services.
