Church renews focus on domestic and family violence
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s statement on domestic and family violence will be a focus of an online event next week to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The bishops’ annual social justice statement for 2022-23, titled Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse, was published in August.
It points out that the roots of domestic and family violence “lie in the abuse of power to control and dominate others” and that “this stands in contrast to the relationships to which God calls us”.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, said the November 25 event helps keep the issue and the bishops’ statement front of mind.
“The bishops and our collaborators work diligently in preparing these statements with the desire that they help spark discussion, change hearts and minds, and effect change,” he said.
“The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is another moment to stop, to consider the devastating consequences of domestic and family violence and recommit to individual and societal transformation.”
Catholic Social Services Australia executive director Monique Earsman, who will serve as the event’s MC, said the social justice statement has made an important contribution to the national and the faith-based conversation.
“Respect: Confronting Violence and Abuse places domestic and family violence at the centre of Catholic conversations, which is so important because we each must play a role in putting an end to this national tragedy,” she said.
“That the bishops address the ways in which religion has been misused to excuse or explain away is powerful. The Church’s respect for the dignity of all in the eyes of God underpins its condemnation of structures and systems that can allow domestic and family violence to occur.”
Ms Earsman said in addition to the statement shining a light on the issue, the Church “walks the walk” through its social service agencies that support those who suffer from violence, as well as seeking to stop the perpetration of violence.
Other speakers at the event will include Christine Carolan, executive officer of Australian Catholic Religious Against the Trafficking of Humans, and Jesuit Refugee Service project coordinator Shatha Jajo.
Michael Jeh, an ambassador for Small Steps for Hannah, an organisation set up by the family of Hannah Clarke and her three children who were murdered by her partner and their father in Brisbane in 2020, will also address the gathering.
Find out more and register for the event at: bit.ly/25NovSJS
A woman may be coerced into aborting her baby by her husband’s family. Her pain, trauma and isolation need to be recognised. We have supports for women who chose the abortion option and now seek healing with God. All women deserve to feel valued and empowered to seek assistance in whatever their life status. In hearing Christ, may we act.
It is hard for all of us to recognise that family violence is very much part of the experience of people within our Catholic communities. It would be tempting to look away! I am so glad that there is a follow-up event to remind us that we all have a responsibility to do what we can to prevent violence and to respond compassionately and effectively when it occurs.