Jenan Taylor
24 May 2024
The Melbourne diocese is offering churches the opportunity to make the community safer by taking action against gender-based violence.
The deaths of more than 28 women since January 2024, has sparked widespread calls for rapid cultural change in Australia.
The Prevention of Violence Against Women program is running one-day training sessions to equip churches to better take a stand against men’s violence.
Read more: Churches powerhouses against men’s violence, but funds needed: Advocates
Program manager Kerryn Lewis said Anglicans across the diocese were feeling the weight and heaviness of gender violence in the community.
She said many wanted to do something about it, but didn’t know where to begin.
Ms Lewis said with the right knowledge and skills church members could play an important and influential role in preventing violence against women and supporting people who experience family violence.
She said the training offered a starting point for them to understand, recognise and respond to family violence, and take practical steps to help prevent it.
Read more: ‘We haven’t acted forcefully enough’: Ballarat Church tackles men’s violence
Ms Lewis said attending churches would also get the chance to nominate a Family Safety Champion.
She said this person would work with clergy to make their church a safer space, raise awareness in the church about gendered violence, and be a parish contact person.
Ms Lewis said churches could also organise a training day at their own church, sign on to the Whole of Church approach to preventing violence against women, and more. For enquiries, contact her at klewis@melbourneanglican.org.au
Training days will take place on:
Saturday 8 June at the Anglican Centre from 9am to 4pm. To register, see here.
Saturday 3 August at All Saints Anglican Church Mitcham from 9am to 4pm. Register here.
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