Halton Women’s Place, the Halton Regional Police Service, and the Town of Halton Hills unveiled a purple bench to honour and support victims of partner violence on Monday in Georgetown.
The purple bench was inspired by the Barb’s Benches Project and is the first of many benches that Halton Women’s Place hopes to install across the region, including here in Milton.
Executive Director for the Women’s Shelter Laurie Hepburn touches on what the bench means to her.
The bench was dedicated to the memory of Darian Henderson-Bellman, a former Georgetown resident who was killed in a domestic assault case.
The bench is located at Dominion Gardens Park in Georgetown. It is between the town’s two major high schools (Georgetown District High School and Christ the King Catholic Secondary School). Hepburn says the thought initially did not involve placing the bench in a location close to schools, but the park was one of Darian’s favourite locations. It was only after that they realized how perfect it is to have a bench dedicated to raising awareness about the issue of intimate partner violence so close to students. She says it can serve as a great learning experience and help children who may feel vulnerable.
Halton Police Chief Stephen Tanner talks about Darian’s story and how all victims deserve better.
During the ceremony, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was also recognized.
The bench is an expansion of the Intimate Partner Violence Memorial unveiled at Halton Regional Police Service Headquarters in November 2020.
Learn more about intimate partner violence by visiting the Halton Women’s Place website.
The following is a list of valuable support services and resources in Halton Region for victims of intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence:
- Halton Regional Police Service Victim Services Unit 905-825-4777
- Halton Women’s Place 905-878-8555 (north) or 905-332-7892 (24-hour crisis line)
- Halton Children’s Aid Society 905-333-4441 or 1-866-607-5437
- Nina’s Place Sexual Assault and Domestic Assault Care Centre 905-336-4116 or 905-681-4880
- Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555 (24-hour crisis line)
