Q&A with Domestic and Family Violence Advisor, researcher, committed Christian and mum, Kylie Walls
Spotlight Q&A
Meet Kylie Walls and find out about the importance of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, how she thinks parishes can support the response to domestic and family violence, what her favourite Bible scripture is and what makes her nostalgic
How long have you been involved in the Anglican Church Southern Queensland and in what role?
I began in the Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Advisor role in November 2024, and in February 2025.
What does your role involve?
As the Domestic and Family Violence Advisor for the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, I offer advice and support to help employees, clergy and managers prevent and respond to domestic and family violence.
As part of the Office of Safe Ministry team, I work collaboratively to strengthen domestic and family violence safeguarding, prevention and response across the organisation. My role includes developing policies and procedures, developing appropriate training, conducting risk assessments, and supporting incident management.
Kylie Walls, ACSQ Domestic and Family Violence Advisor in her office at St Martin’s House in May 2025
Can you tell us a bit more about your research in the area of Domestic and Family Violence?
My published research examined psychological mechanisms underlying coercive control in intimate relationships, focusing on insecure attachment and emotion dysregulation, both of which were found to significantly contribute to controlling behaviours. While shame-proneness was associated with anxious attachment, it did not predict increased control. We hypothesised this was due to the shame measure capturing a more internalised, functional form of shame, which may serve as a protective factor against the use of control in intimate relationships. These findings inform my current work by supporting the importance of relational, trauma-informed approaches in responding to and preventing DFV within faith communities.
What projects or activities are you currently working on in your role?
A new DFV policy has been developed and was adopted at the Diocesan Council meeting in March, along with a mandate to develop supporting procedures for the Diocese within 12 months.
My current focus is on collaborating with members of our Diocese to draft these procedures and on establishing an DFV advisory service accessible to clergy, church worker, and staff. In partnership with the DFV Working Group, this work aims to strengthen our Diocese’s capacity to respond to and prevent domestic and family violence. The DFV working group is also working with St John’s Cathedral to plan an Evensong event for 25 May. I am also collaborating with stakeholders to explore bystander training options.
How can parishes and ministries get involved in or support these initiatives?
I encourage all parishes and ministries to review the new DFV policy and consider how it can be meaningfully embedded within their local context. As the supporting procedures are developed, any feedback is most welcome and valued. We would also love to see strong attendance at the Evensong service in May.
Domestic and Family Violence Advisor Kylie Walls (R) with The Rev’d Lynette Kareta (L), DFV Working Group member and Assistant Curate at The Parish of Mt Gravatt, attending the DFV Candlelight Vigil at St Francis College, May 2025
Why is it important for all parts of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland to get support Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which is held annually in May?
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, held annually in May, aims to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and promote community responsibility in preventing it. It is important for all parts of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland to actively support this month as a demonstration of our shared commitment to safety, justice and compassion. Collective involvement also helps to foster a culture where abuse is not ignored and those impacted by DFV feel seen, supported and heard.
What has been one of the single key highlights of your time in your role so far?
One of the key highlights in my role so far was a conversation I had during a parish visit in an advisory capacity. A recently ordained priest approached me to talk through their parish’s Domestic and Family Violence Action Plan — something she had initiated with genuine care and conviction.
It was deeply encouraging to see such initiative at a local level and to witness her passion for creating a safer church community. It reminded me of what can be achieved when we work together across all levels of the Church to prioritise safety, justice and support for those affected by DFV.
Can you tell us a little about your Christian faith journey?
I am a committed Christian and am inspired by the way Jesus cared for the vulnerable and oppressed. My faith drives my passion for justice, compassion and creating safe spaces within the Church.
How does your Christian faith inspire you and shape your outlook, life choices and character?
My Christian faith, rooted in the sacrifice, teachings and example of Jesus, is a constant source of motivation in my work. For me, the gospel is not only a call to personal transformation, but also a call to follow Jesus’ example by actively caring for and protecting the vulnerable within our communities.
Kylie Walls, ACSQ Domestic and Family Violence Advisor, in her office at St Martin’s House, May 2025
What are the primary strengths of the Church and what is the best way to make the most of these for the benefit of our communities?
The Church’s strengths are its deep value of community, compassion for those in need and commitment to service. When we harness these strengths, we can build real relationships with the vulnerable, and creating environments that promote grace, healing and growth.
What is your favourite Bible scripture and why?
My favourite verse is: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6.8.
This verse holds special meaning for me as it reflects a way of living that honours God—through justice, mercy, and humility. It speaks to the importance of personal integrity and caring for others. In the context of domestic and family violence prevention, these values feel especially relevant and important.
What person of faith inspires you the most and why?
One person of faith who inspires me deeply is Rachael Denhollander. As a survivor of institutional abuse, she exemplifies courage, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her advocacy, which is grounded in her lived experience as a victim-survivor, her faith and her professional and legal expertise, has brought healing to many and challenged the systems that enabled harm. I am especially inspired by her ability to hold grace and truth in tension, offering deep compassion to survivors while speaking boldly and sacrificially against abuse.
Why is it important for Anglicans to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards Reconciliation?
It is important for Anglicans to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards reconciliation because it reflects our commitment to justice, healing and love for all people. By acknowledging past wrongs and working together in respect, we can help foster healing and build a more just and inclusive society.
What is the bravest or kindest gesture you have ever received or witnessed?
During a difficult time when one of our children was in the hospital for an extended period, members of our church family and other friends provided incredible care throughout the whole time, offering meals and support. We felt deeply loved and experienced God’s provision through the kindness and generosity of people.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and who gave you this advice?
One of the most meaningful pieces of advice I have received is, “Never lose sight of the person in front of you.” It was shared by a mentor early in my life and continues to shape how I approach my work — reminding me that policy, prevention, intervention, and safeguarding efforts must ultimately serve and protect real people with real stories.
What’s your unanswerable question — the question you are always asking yourself?
“Why do people allow themselves to stay in situations that are causing them harm?”
This is a question I often grapple with. While psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance, coercive control, and trauma bonds offer some insight, the reasons people stay in harmful situations are deeply personal and complex. I strive to understand this better so I can help people take steps towards freedom and healing, but I have learned that there are no simple answers and every situation is unique.
What is your earliest memory?
I remember being in kindergarten when I was about four years old, trying to draw a picture that would be turned into a plate. I was frustrated that no matter how many circles I drew, it didn’t look like the sun I had imagined. I still have the plate, and it reminds me that the things we treasure in the end are not always the ones that turned out perfectly.
If you are having a bad day, what do you do to cheer yourself up?
If I am having a bad day, I cheer myself up by visiting a favourite coffee shop, calling a friend, or asking my husband for a hug. It’s often those small, grounding moments of replenishment and connection that make all the difference.
Kylie Walls (R) and her family holidaying in Europe at Christmas in 2024
What day would you like to re-live and why?
Our family visited Salzburg at the end of 2024, and we had an amazing day on the Sound of Music Tour, driving through the beautiful snow-capped mountain, exploring the village of Mondsee and enjoying a traditional meal together. It was a special day spent together, and definitely a memory I will always cherish.
What makes you nostalgic and why?
Old buildings make me feel nostalgic. When I am inside them, I often think about the people who lived there before me — what their lives were like, what they experienced and the stories the walls might tell if they could talk. I imagine the laughter, the struggles and the everyday moments that have unfolded within those walls.
Author’s note 1: Community members are invited to a Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month Evensong event at St John’s Cathedral on 25 May 2025. For more information visit the Facebook event page.
For more information about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, including resources and initiatives, please visit the Queensland Government website.
Author’s note 2: The Anglican Church Southern Queensland is committed to the implementation of the “Ten Commitments for Prevention and Response to Domestic and Family Violence in the Anglican Church of Australia” as our Church’s response to domestic and family violence.
The following 24/7 telephone services have a long track record responding to people experiencing domestic and family violence:
DV Connect 1800 811 811 helps Queenslanders wanting to leave an abusive relationship.
1800RESPECT is a national service providing information, referrals, and counselling.
If you, or the person you are assisting, are in immediate danger, call the Police on 000.
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