THE Anglican Parish of Saint Hilda’s in North Perth has installed a purple bench outside the church on View Street, to honour victims of family and domestic violence.

The bench was blessed by the assistant bishop of Perth, Kate Wilmot, at a ceremony attended by Vincent mayor Alison Xamon, parish priest Rev Debora Spencer, representatives from Anglicare’s Family and Domestic Violence Services as well as parishioners and members of the public.

St Hilda’s parish priest Rev Debora Spencer on the new bench.

Bishop Wilmot said the bench represented a commitment to being a safe and life-giving community for all people, and a place where everyone could grow and thrive and not be harmed or limited.

St Hilda’s purple bench reflects this commitment by raising awareness of family and domestic violence as well as providing a place of rest and contemplation.

The bench has a plaque attached outlining contact details for advice and support services.

The Purple Bench project was established in Canada 25 years ago and brought to Western Australia in 2018 by the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.

This bench will add to the growing number of purple benches being placed around Perth.

By NEIL HARRIS