Barba incident sparks grassroots domestic violence initiative

A chance encounter with Ben Barba has inspired one Harrington Park family to paint their letterbox purple, a public declaration their home is a safe place for victims of domestic violence.

A Harrington Park family has sparked a grassroots domestic violence awareness initiative, as a response to the Ben Barba incident.

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A chance encounter with former rugby league star Ben Barba has inspired one Harrington Park family to paint their letterbox purple, a public declaration their home is a safe place for victims of domestic violence.

Joshua and Jade Leys and their children Kianna, 11, and Kyan, 8, Picture: Robert Pozo.

Business owner Joshua Leys said Barba’s alleged assault on his partner was the final trigger, with the family of four spending a day painting their letterbox.

“The interaction (with Barba) was what brought the paintbrush out, because when you interact with the famous footballer you realise they are just like me and you.

“He is in the papers because he is famous … but there are thousands of other people like him, probably worse, and no one knows.

“I don’t think the community is aware of how prevalent domestic violence is in society. It’s happening around us everywhere we go.

“There are people within 200m of where we are sitting who are victims.”

Ben Barba was sacked by the North Queensland Cowboys after allegations he physically assaulted his partner. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The initiative was inspired by the former neighbourhood watch program, with the purple letterbox a symbol of safety.

“If people see the letterbox painted purple they can know there is somebody here to have a conversation with, whether they are in physical trouble — whatever it is — they know they are somewhere safe,” Mr Leys said.

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The 35-year-old is now encouraging others to take part in the grassroots campaign, using the hashtag #letspaintthetownpurple.

“It might not be a letterbox — it could be a front door, wind chimes or anything,” Mr Leys said.

“Fingers crossed it puts the awareness out there and it saves people lives.”

The Leys family is encouraging other homes to take part in the initiative and #letspaintthetownpurple. Picture: Robert Pozo.

In recent years, domestic violence-related incidents have spiralled in the Macarthur region with police attending an average of six incidents each day.

Camden Cats AFL club is selling tins of purple paint for $50, working closely with the Camden Wollondilly Domestic Violence Association.

To buy a tin, contact club president Stuart Farnell on 0408 735 960.