Red bench at Mater Rockhampton is a beacon of hope

A newly-painted red bench outside Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton is now a beacon of hope to those suffering domestic and family violence.

The bench is a visible signal to victims that Mater staff are developing their skills to support them and that the hospital is a safe space to disclose their experiences and seek help.

Red benches are being installed at Mater hospitals across the state during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in support of the Red Rose Foundation’s Take a Seat to Take a Stand initiative.

Queensland Police Service receives more than 140,000 domestic violence-related calls a year and last year 24 people in the state were killed by their partners or family members – an increase of 50 per cent on 2023. Mater Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Specialist Project Officer Rebecca Latham is leading the campaign to drive awareness of the problem among Mater staff and patients.

“The destructive impacts of DFV are sadly evident throughout the healthcare system – and that includes Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton,” Ms Latham said.

“The burden of disease and harm that is caused by this problem is immeasurable, so it’s vital that health staff know how to recognise and respond to it.

“It’s also important for victims to know that Mater hospitals are a place of safety – a place where they can talk to health professionals in confidence and seek the help they need.”

As part of Mater’s DFV initiative, its hospitals have implemented training and upskilling of hospital staff to assist with recognising, supporting, and engaging appropriate onward referrals for victims of domestic violence.

As well as reassuring victims that Mater staff are ready to help, the benches also carry contact information for DFV support agencies via a QR code.

Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton General Manager Alison Boyle said it was essential for health professionals to be aware of the signs and impacts of domestic violence. “It’s important that Mater, and the whole community, takes action to prevent domestic and family violence,” Ms Boyle said.

“As a hospital, we know many of the people who seek treatment here will be suffering abuse.

“Health professionals must do more than address the physical harms of domestic violence – we need to recognise the non-physical forms and provide support to empower victims.”

Image shows (l-r) Jo Griffin of CathCare, CQHHS social worker Yasmine Jozeljic, Mater Midwifery Unit Manager Di-Marie Dixon, General Manager Ali Boyle and Senior Sergeant Ben Wiltshire.