Oxford County has been outfitted with two bright purple benches to raise awareness for November’s Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Month and help bring an end to spousal abuse.
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The benches have been placed in high-traffic areas like parks and splash pads. Each bench features a QR code residents can scan to be connected to local services like Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO) and others.
“We’re hoping they get people thinking about the issue,” said Sophie Foster, fundraising and communications co-ordinator for both DASO and Ingamo Homes, a non-profit charitable organization committed to ending violence in the lives of women and children.
“It’s a dark issue; it’s a sad issue that people don’t always want to think or talk about, but this can spark a conversation for people walking past.”
The benches — donated by Magland Site Furniture in Woodstock — may also be just what someone trapped in an abusive relationship needs.
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“They could prevent a tragedy or ongoing harm to someone,” Foster said. “If someone were to sit on the bench and see the QR code, it could be that extra push to get help and re-think what’s going on in their life.”
Tillsonburg’s bench was unveiled Nov. 25. It sits in front of Tillsonburg Town Center near the BIA on Broadway Street.
“Domestic violence is all too prevalent in our society,” Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy said.
“I know for people in situations like that, it’s really hard to make the first step, so I think what this bench means is, there is help out there, please reach out and seek help if you need it.”
The Purple Bench Project isn’t unique to Oxford. It’s taken hold in communities across Canada in honor of Nova Scotia woman Barb Baillie, who was strangled to death by her husband in 1990. Her death led to the creation of a purple bench in Spryfield, NS, as Baillie enjoyed sitting by the water on a bench to escape her abuse.
While the subject matter isn’t always easy to think about, Foster noted the eye-catching benches can also signify the beauty of hope.
“When you think about getting help, moving forward and moving past abuse, that is beautiful,” she said. “The co-workers that I have, having the ability to help people in difficult situations is beautiful. . . maybe that can help with the meaning behind it.”
For more information about DASO and Ingamo homes visit daso.ca and ingamohomes.com.
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