Resourcing corps to respond to family violence

8 June 2020

The United Nations General Assembly has designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The Salvation Army Policy and Advocacy Team, in conjunction with the Family Violence stream, is preparing resources for corps to use on that day, as well as for general information and education around how people of faith can respond to those in their communities experiencing family violence.

The resources include information on family violence and some of the different forms it can take; some of the signs of family violence; what a healthy and non-violent relationship looks like; how to support someone experiencing family violence; and prayer points.

These resources can be downloaded here.

“Our team is focusing on how we can help laypeople and those with pastoral responsibilities across all our services and faith communities, to care for people experiencing family violence,” said Amanda Merrett, Family Violence Liaison, Policy and Advocacy Team.

“This includes being aware of groups that experience family violence – and equipping those not trained as family violence specialists to respond to victim-survivors and keep them safe, and to hold perpetrators accountable.

“Family violence is so pervasive in Australian culture so we work closely with both front-line faith communities in the prevention of family violence and with governments to represent the advocacy needs of those experiencing this violence.

“This can all be done through the lens of faith.”

The Policy and Advocacy department is also examining how Salvation Army theology and tradition, as well as understanding gender equality through a biblical lens, can help prevent family violence.

The Family Violence stream includes Lorrinda Hamilton, Acting General Manager; Veronica Hunt, Family Violence Specialist; and state managers in the Victoria, South Australia and Northern Territory and Western Australia divisions, with Queensland and NSW reporting through the Homelessness stream.

“With over $17 million in Family Violence National, State, Philanthropy and donation funding across Australia, over 150 Salvation Army staff are delivering family violence programs in every state and territory, assisting more than 7000 women and children experiencing family violence every year,” said Lorrinda.

“The Salvation Army is [also] providing services which hold men to account through men’s family violence prevention programs, servicing over 1000 men nationally.”

DAYS OF ACTIVISM
To help raise further awareness of family violence, Lorrinda says The Salvation Army Social Mission Department staff from across Australia will also be actively participating in the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” activities, such as marches of solidarity.

The “16 Days of Activism” is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Individuals and organisations around the world use this campaign to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

For further information on activities near your location, contact Veronica Hunt on veronica.hunt@salvationarmy.org.au