In honour of Doreen Langham who died from domestic violence in 2021, charity organisation Defenders for Hope has built three more benches across the city to help raise awareness in Logan.
Ribbon cutting ceremonies are being held today, two years on from Doreen Langham’s tragic death.
Ms Langham was murdered by her ex-partner in February 2021, when she was just 49 years old.
In the weeks before her death she had contacted police 16 times, to three different police stations, all of which were dismissed.
Investigations into the matter later on concluded that the Queensland Police Service was inadequate and police officers failed to protect Ms Langham.
“Doreen’s story is tragic,” Defenders for Hope programs manager Kathy Smith said.
“Yet she will always be the motivation and inspiration behind Defenders for Hope and our mission to eliminate this form of violence.”
Doreen Langham’s daughter Shayne Probert said the benches are not just in honour of her mother, but all victims of domestic violence in the city of Logan.
“Raising awareness for DV in Logan is essential to let those who are experiencing it know that there is support there for them and where they can find that support, so they know that they are not alone,” she said.
“It may just be as simple as someone walking past and or taking a seat that will be the reason for them picking up the phone and reaching out for help, which is what we are hoping these benches will do.”
Ms Probert said the community support for the cause has been incredible.
“We will have Leigh from End All DV, Lloyd Clark from the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation, Betty Taylor from Red Rose Foundation and chief superintendent Melissa Adams, as well as other DV services that Defenders (for Hope) work with, all there on the day to show their support for the cause,” she said.
“Together we can end all domestic violence.”
The benches will officially open to the public today.
Benches are at Forest Glen Park in Browns Plains, Logan West Community Centre in Hillcrest and Silvertop Park in Hillcrest.
For domestic and family violence help call the Respect hotline on 1800 737 732
