16 Days of Activism Against Domestic and Family Violence: Service at St Paul's Cathedral

By Revd Lauren Lockwood-Porter

Tuesday the 25th of November marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gendered and Domestic and Family Violence. The 16 days of Activism sees actions, discussions, commemorations and demonstrations happen globally, as people from many different backgrounds say no to violence against women, children and within families. St Paul’s Cathedral, Bendigo held their annual 16 Days of Activism service on the 25th of November. Revd Hannah Gregory, Rector of the Parish of Bendigo North and Bendigo Mother’s Union chaplain and Revd Emily Payne, diocesan healthcare chaplain, sensitively led the service, with Revd Roger Rich offering intercessions. The Cathedral healing service team led the music.

Those present heard from a local, faithful, female Anglican about her long-lived experience as a victim-survivor of domestic and family violence. She explained the mechanisms of control and coercion, and how the fear and daily threat of abuse chips away at your confidence and sense of self-worth. She shared the complex challenges of safely leaving an abuser and how her own faith has sustained her through her journey to freedom and healing.

Revd Hannah read out the names of the 44 women to date who had been killed as a result of domestic and family violence. As she read each name those present lay a flower at the foot of the cross in front of the altar. According to the organisation Our Watch; in Australia on average one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner (calculated from the 2020-21 Statistical Report 42 from the Australian Institute of Criminology). It was a powerfully sad and moving time to reflect on who each of these women were, many of whom for legal reason remain anonymous, but are “known to God”, as Revd Hannah noted.

After the service, over morning tea generously provided by Bendigo Mother’s Union (who continue to be very supportive of the work of DFV education in the diocese), there was much discussion about the role that the church and we as Christians can play in preventing and addressing domestic and family violence in our homes and communities. We noted the need to educate ourselves, to listen to the experiences of those in our congregations who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse, to call out unhealthy expressions of gender inequality and un-Godly behaviour. Many also highlighted the importance of prayer, both in public worship and in private, which is a powerful action we can all be taking regularly.

(If this has raised concerns for you please reach out to 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 or visit orangedoor.vic.gov.au).