“I share my story with you in the hope that in the not-too-distant future, we as a Christian community can better assist those who are living the silent nightmare I was – to give them access to knowledge and permission to seek assistance, as well as encouragement and support,” says a courageous parishioner, as part of the anglican focus domestic and family violence series of stories and features
“Domestic and family violence is a significant issue in our society and one which we cannot ignore in our Diocese, including in our schools, parishes and agencies. It is essential that we are able to respond caringly and effectively to those who are affected by domestic and family violence,” says Archbishop Phillip Aspinall
“The difficulty with this approach is that it asks victims and survivors of domestic and family violence and abuse to pay the price for the rest of us to feel ok. They are often expected, tacitly or otherwise, to continue to bear the shame and embarrassment of a less-than-Christian family life so that we can continue to believe that Christians don’t do that sort of thing,” says The Rev’d Gillian Moses while reflecting on the expectation of victims and survivors to remain silent, as Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month approaches in May
“Jesus calls us into life in all its abundance, which includes the fundamental right to be safe – as Anglicans we are committed to transforming unjust structures of society and challenging violence of every kind, which necessitates actively contesting social norms that foster inequality and associated violence,” says Domestic and Family Violence Working Group member The Rev’d Gillian Moses
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