Benches serve as powerful symbol

PCYCs at Caboolture, Deception Bay, Redcliffe, Hills District, Pine Rivers and Zillmere, have installed red benches at their clubs this Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Awareness Month.

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.

The benches symbolise safe spaces and an organisation’s stance 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 says PCYC Queensland promotes healthy and positive relationships in all its youth programs, and the red benches provide a visual reminder one of the organisation’s core values.

“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 says.

"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.”