Yarmouth County gets purple benches dedicated to domestic violence victims

An emotional ceremony to honour victims of domestic violence.

Dozens gathered in Frost Park Wednesday for the dedication of ‘Barb’s Bench.’

It’s one of five purple benches that will be installed throughout Yarmouth County.

Local organizer Ina Comeau says it started as an idea from the family of Barbara Baillie, a Spryfield woman who was killed by her husband 35 years ago.

“The objective is to offer a place of solace and reflection, and it’s as important to give them a place for support, and to get the help that they need,” said Comeau.

The benches will be located in Frost Park, the Cape Forchu lighthouse, Yarmouth South Playground, the Janet Smith Memorial Field in Hebron, and overlooking the Tusket River.

The province and three municipal units helped out with the project.

Sharon LeBlanc shared a speech that was read at her sister Janice Penney Clements funeral years ago.

“It saddens me to read these words and still be echoing the same sentiments after all this time. Hopefully these benches will provide someone a place of refuge for those who are struggling,” said LeBlanc.

Local poet Kevin Vallillee also shared a piece he wrote for the event called ‘The Silent Witness:’ Here’s an exceprt:

Eight women have been lost to domestic violence in the last year, the province has declared domestic violence an epidemic.

Minister for the Status of Women Leah Martin says the government is taking steps.

“More and more people are having these conversations. It shows great strength that the Yarmouth community can come out and talk about this. We’re taking an all of society approach to combating this issue. Every single government department meets with our Status of Women office. There is over $100 million in government support for this issue, and it won’t be an overnight fix but we’re committed to seeing systemic change,” said Martin.