The Southern Cross | June 2025

An eye-catching purple bench which offers not just a seat, but provides a powerful message has been unveiled in Mary MacKillop Plaza.

More than just a place to rest one’s weary legs, the vivid violet perch is part of the Purple Bench Project, a global memorial and awareness campaign dedicated to victims of domestic and family violence.

The bench was unveiled and blessed by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan at a moving ceremony on May 15 which was attended by invited dignitaries, representatives from the Diocesan Centre and Centacare Catholic Community Services, members of local councils and school students.

Sanjay Mohanaraj from the Adelaide Archdiocese Pastoral Services team which organised the bench installation said the project started in Canada.

“The first bench was installed in 2015 in Nova Scotia, Canada, to mark the 25th anniversary of the murder of a lady named Barbara Baillie,” he explained.

“Barbara was murdered by her husband so it was a moment of commemoration in memorial to her.”

In the years since, the project has gained momentum around the globe, including Australia, with purple benches now located in many public parks and open spaces. Serving as a tribute to those lost and a source of help for those experiencing violence, the benches often include a plaque displaying crisis contact numbers.

Mr Mohanaraj said it was hoped other parishes might be inspired to install a bench in one of their spaces.

“The whole purpose of the bench is to raise awareness and education,” he said.

“The hope is that people will see the bench, perhaps take a seat, and it might spark a bit of reflection. Maybe they might know someone who needs assistance, and these numbers might be useful to support them.

“It’s about getting the message out there, raising awareness and building more education about an area that is incredibly important.”

Megan Welsh, Centacare’s Domestic Violence, Homelessness and Youth Services executive manager, said there was a lot of shame associated with domestic violence – for victims and perpetrators.

“Often people at risk don’t recognise the danger or are too scared or just don’t know where to go. I think this is a really positive thing for a serious social issue,” she said.

“A bench like this is a really good way to raise awareness and to display the numbers that people can actually reach out to.”

As the community services arm of the Adelaide Catholic Archdiocese, Centacare provides high-quality, client-focused domestic violence services in regional areas, as well as conducting awareness raising programs in schools.

Ms Welsh said the rate of domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia was unacceptable, with, on average, one woman killed by an intimate partner every 11 days.

“Last year, we saw about 1900 women through our services, and we see that number increasing every year,” Ms Welsh said.

“The statistics show us that women who have been killed may not have accessed DV services.  This has been raised with the recent Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence with the aim of increasing specialised prevention and support services for healing and recovery.

“These are not just statistics – they are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. Each life lost is a devastating blow to our nation and a stark reminder of the work that remains.

“Domestic, family and sexual violence is a whole community responsibility. Let us lean into our Catholic Social Teachings of human dignity, rights and responsibilities to support those in need, to challenge harmful behaviours, and work to ensure that no one should suffer in silence.”

Located on the northern end of the plaza, the purple bench is there for everyone to enjoy and is already proving a popular spot for workers to sit during their lunchtime and where people can relax and reflect after Mass.

Picture: Sanjay Mohanaraj, Leanne Haddad, the Hon. Michelle Lensink, Archbishop Patrick O’Regan, the Hon. Michael Brown, Sarah Moffatt and Mary Leaker at the blessing of the bench in Mary MacKillop Plaza, next to St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. Picture: Ben Macmahon