Responding to Domestic
and Family Violence
Domestic Abuse involves a pattern of behaviour that seeks to coerce, control, intimidate, hurt or frighten a person in an intimate or family relationship. It’s important to understand that domestic abuse may include, but isn’t limited to emotional, verbal, financial, psychological, spiritual, cultural, physical and sexual abuse. It can also include social isolation, stalking, image-based or technology facilitated abuse, and threats to harm other people including children, property or pets. Domestic abuse impacts not only the immediate victims who have to endure this, but also witnesses, such as children.
Domestic abuse is both a crime in the eyes of our society, and deep sin in the eyes of God, and St Matt’s laments that it occurs both inside and outside churches.
The following is a collection of resources that may assist you or those you know who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse. There are also some resources to help take responsibility for abusive behaviour and change.
Resources
Anglicare Renew book
What would you do if someone disclosed abuse to you? How are you equipped to help and care?
St Matts has copies of Anglicare's book "Renew" - An Australian Guide for Christian Women Survivors of Domestic Abuse". They are free and you can find copies in the entry foyer, or on the book desk. You can also read it online and access Anglicare’s other resources by clicking the button below.
Victims Services
Victims Services provides support for victims of crime in NSW, including people who have experienced domestic abuse. Applicants are able to receive free counselling with qualified professionals.
Take responsibility for your abuse
Anglicare have a men’s behaviour change program called REBUILD. Details are available on their website as well as a list of other services to help take responsibility and change your behaviour.
1800 RESPECT
1800RESPECT is a confidential information, counselling and support service, that is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Call 1800 737 732,
Text 0458 737 732,
Chat online or video call via their website.
Prayer for Domestic and Family Violence
Written by Archbishop Kanishka Raffel
Gracious God,
We come before you in sorrow and humility, grieving the pain and injustice suffered by those who live in fear within their own homes. We acknowledge with thankfulness that the Lord Jesus came to bring peace, not violence, healing, not harm. He welcomed the vulnerable, protected the weak, and stood against all that crushes the human spirit.
We pray for women, children, and men who are victims of domestic violence. Comfort them in their distress. Shelter them in your love. Give them courage to seek help and surround them with people who will act with compassion and wisdom.
We pray for those who perpetrate violence. Confront them with the truth of their actions. Lead them to repentance and transformation by your Spirit.
We pray for our churches, communities, and leaders. May we be places of refuge, not silence; of justice, not complicity. Help us to speak with clarity, act with conviction, and love with the heart of Christ.
Lord, hasten the day when homes are havens of peace, and relationships reflect your grace.
We ask this in the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.