An innovative campaign called ‘Purple Shirt Friday’ has changed the atmosphere at Revesby Worker’s Club, helping both staff and club patrons to feel safer, and more willing to talk about the problem of domestic and family violence.
Club CEO, Scott Bennetts, says the initiative is impacting not only staff and members, but also the wider community.
Revesby Worker’s Club launched the ‘Purple Shirt Friday’ initiative against domestic violence, after seeing its success at Cherry Street Sports Club in Balina, and adapted the concept to suit their staff, patrons and local area.
Given that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men are affected by domestic and family violence, “we can only assume it’s affecting our members and our staff”, says Sharyn Buhagiar, Chief People Officer at Revesby Workers Club.
Knowing these statistics has inspired the entire staff team to get on board the Purple Shirt initiative.
Every Friday, all staff members from the CEO to the bartenders, wear a purple t-shirt emblazoned with the words: “No to Domestic and Family Violence” on the front, and “Yes to Respectful Relationships” on the back.
The aim is to spark conversations, encouraging people to speak up if they know of violence taking place, or need help themselves.
“We're hoping the impact of this is that it creates… a safe culture where people can come forward,” says Sharyn.
“Domestic violence incidents have risen in our local government area in the last two years. Women and children are dying, and this also affects men. No one should have to feel unsafe… that's why these Purple Shirt Fridays mean so much to us.”
The campaign doesn’t stop at shirts. Revesby Workers Club staff have also been trained in the different kinds of domestic abuse that exist, and trained in how to respond if or when someone shares their experiences of domestic violence . Resources provided on the staff room’s ‘Purple Table’ serve as a constant reminder that help is readily available.
Club CEO Scott Bennetts says the initiative is impacting not only staff but the wider community as well.
“This is probably the best initiative that I have seen infiltrate into the staff,” he says.
“Everyone's been trained in this, everyone is behind it. People are talking about this initiative outside of the club… and if more people talk about it, hopefully [that] reduces the rate of domestic violence in the local area, and people get assistance who are in need.”
Club members are reporting that the purple shirts make them feel safe, while bar staff have noticed a shift in their conversations with customers.
“[People] approach the bar a lot friendlier and a bit more open,” says bartender Dylan Horsnell. “They have a conversation, ask us about our life, we reply back, ask them how they are. It's just a lot more open and a bit more caring since we've been wearing the shirts.”
Wellbeing officer Estelle Kolipoulos adds that staff members are opening up more.
“I've seen a change amongst the staff in terms of disclosures and just how we talk about the topic,” says Estelle when talking about the many positive impacts of Purple Shirt Friday.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or distress, please call 1800 RESPECT, or Lifeline: 13 11 14.
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