This article explains the Purple Bench Project, led by the SA Anglican Provincial Domestic & Family Violence Working Group. It outlines the purpose of the initiative, its connection to global domestic violence awareness efforts, and how parishes can get involved.
On 24 November 2024, the South Australian Anglican Provincial Domestic & Family Violence WorkingGroup (D&FVWG) launched the first Purple Bench in an Anglican parish. The inaugural bench wasinstalled at St Peter’s Cathedral, with a special ceremony led by Bishop Chris McLeod and ReverendTracy Lauersen, Program Manager of General Synod’s Families and Culture Commission.
The Purple Bench Project began in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2015 and has since spread globally. Each bench is:
The initiative publicly shows the Church’s commitment to the Anglican Church of Australia’s TenCommitments to prevent and respond to domestic and family violence (DFV).
It also honours victims, offers visibility to survivors, and provides practical support information for those affected, including both victims and perpetrators.
Despite these numbers, 2 in 5 Australians don’t know how to access DFV support services
(NCAS, 2021).
The Purple Bench Project is one of the D&FVWG’s major initiatives for 2024–25. It is being jointly promoted in the Dioceses of Adelaide, The Murray, and Willochra.
The aim is to install benches in parish and Synod sites across South Australia. Each bench must be painted in the standard purple colour and include a plaque commemorating victims and providing help service contact details.
The project has already been adopted by other dioceses, including Perth, and by various councils and community organisations.
Parishes are invited to register interest in renovating and painting an existing bench and attaching a plaque or purchasing and installing a new bench and attaching a plaque.
Funding is available through the Synod Office. To participate, see the Registration of Interest section below.
