Saferresource.org.au Website Review

A resource to help Australian churches understand, identify, and respond to domestic and family violence. Across the world, across the nation, across our communities, we know that violence is being perpetrated. One of its quietest forms, dulled In recent years, the Australian media has shone a spotlight on violence within the home. Communities have rallied to the cause. But many church members have not yet been able to wrestle with the idea that they are likely to have victims — and abusers — sitting > “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and > needy.” Proverbs 31:9 What would it mean for churches to invest in this call for safety and justice? What would it mean for congregations to open their eyes and their hearts to people struggling in abusive relationships? What could it mean for the church to collectively and loudly cry “no more”? We believe that you care de*ply about the people in your communities. SAFER is an online resource intended to help Christian leaders and SAFER involves descriptions and discussions of violence and abuse. Some survivors might find its content distressing. While we want you to engage with this resource, we also want to safeguard your wellbeing in using this material. Please take care as Christian faith provides considerable guidance on how to love and care for others, and Christian faith communities can play a key role in Domestic and family violence really happens in Christian families and in faith communities. Knowing what this looks like is crucial to help If someone in your church confides in you about abuse, your response can make the difference. Learn the difference between helping and Keeping victims safe in churches means holding perpetrators accountable. It also means not ignoring their abuse, covering it up or While SAFER offers initial guidance in dealing with domestic and family violence, there is a wealth of information out there to help Churches and pastors are uniquely positioned to respond helpfully in situations of abuse, but they often lack the resources and training to