Purple bench contains code to assist victims of violence

Several partners came together to unveil a purple bench in front of the Tillsonburg Town Centre, including the Town of Tillsonburg, the BIA, DASO, and the Tillsonburg Multi-Service Centre. The bench has a QR code to provide contact information for victims of intimate partner violence. Left to right are: Coun. Kelly Spencer, Meini Knelson, Allison Biggar, Vanessa Fortner, Mark Renaud, Sophie Foster, and Randi-Lee Durham. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Downtown Tillsonburg has a new purple fixture with a special purpose. In front of the Tillsonburg Town Centre is a purple bench with a QR code to provide information to aid victims of domestic abuse.

Unveiled on Nov. 26, the purple bench is one of eight across Oxford County that were installed as part of the Purple Bench Campaign. This campaign began in 2015 in Spryfield, N.S., as a memorial to Barbara Baillie, who was a victim of domestic violence.

“These benches serve as more than just seats,” said Sophie Foster during the unveiling. “They feature plaques displaying emergency contact number for individuals experiencing gender-based violence.”

The QR code provides links to Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO), Domestic Assault Resource Team (DART) and Ingamo Homes, a non-profit organization committed to ending gender-based violence by providing second-stage homes, outreach and programming to women and their children. Foster is the fundraising and communications coordinator for DASO and Ingamo. DASO provides emergency shelter, which typically is for six to eight weeks.

Foster said there have been over 60 women killed in domestic violence incidents since last November.

“Here in Oxford County, we might be a smaller community, but we’re not immune to gender-based and intimate partner violence.”

Joanna Piatkowski, former manager at Ingamo Homes, brought the concept to Oxford, and presented the idea of the purple benches to Tillsonburg council in May. Then, Coun. Kelly Spencer brought forward a motion on Aug. 12, which passed, asking for the installation of a purple bench this summer.

“It was one of those situations where we couldn’t say no because it was donated and organized by Ingamo and DASO,” Spencer said.

The motion directed working with the BIA to find the ideal spot for the bench. BIA executive director Mark Renaud said in front of the mall is the busiest spot in town and with one million person visits per year it is an ideal high profile location for the bench. With the bench in a high profile location, it is hoped it will be seen by more people.

“Intimate partner violence is all too prevalent in our society. Victims are often scared to reach out or don't know who to contact,” said Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy. “The purple bench signifies that you are not alone and that help is available. The QR code located on the bench provides a link to help for those that continue to suffer in silence. This is a wonderful and meaningful addition to our community.”

“Having the purple bench in Tillsonburg signifies hope, support, help and professional services to citizens in our community that are experiencing domestic abuse, gender based violence and/or family violence,” Spencer said. “It is a strong message ….”You are not alone, there is help”.

Oxford OPP responded to 1,570 calls for domestic violence in 2023. Randi Crawford, community services officer with Oxford OPP, reminded victims need to call 9-1-1 if they need assistance.

“Oxford OPP is proud to work with our community partners to promote safety surrounding the topic of intimate partner violence,” she said.