An eye-catching purple bench which offers not just a seat but provides a powerful message has been unveiled in Mary MacKillop Plaza in Adelaide. Source: The Southern Cross.
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 Adelaide Archbishop Patrick O’Regan at a moving ceremony on May 15.
Sanjay Mohanaraj from the Adelaide Archdiocese Pastoral Services team that organised the bench installation said the project started in Canada.
“The first bench was installed in 2015 in Nova Scotia to mark the 25th anniversary of the murder of a lady named Barbara Baillie,” Mr Mohanaraj said.
“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 worldwide, including in 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 from Centacare Catholic Community Services 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.”
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Purple bench sends powerful message (By Katie Spain, The Southern Cross)
