PCYCs Beenleigh, Logan and Crestmead have all installed new red benches at their clubs this Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness Month.
Why? PCYC Queensland is partnering with the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench project, which invites organisations to install red benches to show support for those affected by domestic violence. These benches symbolise safe spaces and our stand against domestic and family violence.
So far, 34 PCYC clubs have installed benches, provided free of charge by their nearest Bunnings stores. PCYC Queensland CEO Phil Schulz said PCYC Queensland promotes healthy and positive relationships throughout all its youth programs, and the red benches provided a visual reminder of a core value for the organisation.
“Our clubs, programs and services offer safe spaces, where violence and disrespect are not tolerated – working to promote safe and healthy relationships is embedded in everything we do,” he said.
“We promote this in all of our youth programs, as well as through our RUBY program for women who have experienced domestic and family violence, and our children’s book, I Expect Respect, which was released last year and for which we have received incredible feedback from our Fun Squad educators and youth club managers who read and discuss the book with children.
“Having these red benches at our clubs provides a visible symbol of an ongoing commitment to this – and are a reminder that PCYC Queensland is a place where you can find friendly faces, support and resources.
“We are really proud to work with the Red Rose Foundation to get these benches installed and provide a visible representation of a deeply important value.”
Red Rose Foundation CEO, Lucy Lord, said the Red Rose Foundation was proud to partner with PCYC Queensland.
“We are proud to partner with PCYC Queensland, whose dedication to promoting safe and healthy relationships for young people is truly inspiring,” Ms Lord said.
“Young people play a uniquely powerful role in challenging the drivers of violence, disrespect and unhealthy relationships in our communities. Every red bench is a call to action for all of us: let’s talk, let’s listen, and let’s change the ending for victims of domestic and family violence.
“Together, we are building communities where respect and safety are visible. We encourage other communities to adopt a Red Bench to signify their part in the movement to end domestic and family violence.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the Red Bench project is an important initiative to raise awareness for domestic and family violence.
“Each bench reminds us that it is a whole of community responsibility to stop domestic violence and that domestic and family violence has no place in our society,” Minister Camm said.
“I applaud the work of the Red Rose Foundation and thank PCYC Queensland for supporting this important campaign.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to putting the safety of victims first and increasing prevention efforts across our State.”
