Family Violence - Faith Based Recommendations
The Safe Church Program has been staying informed about developments in the area of family and domestic violence and working out constructive ways for churches to be part of the solution to the social problem that continues to be masked behind the privacy of closed doors.
After a 13 month inquiry the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence report was tabled in State Parliament on Wednesday, 30 March 2016 with 227 recommendations.
Follow the link to access the full report www.rcfv.com.au/Report-Recommendations
Fiona McCormack (CEO of Domestic Violence Victoria) states“Many of the recommendations of the Royal Commission won't need extra funds, just better ways of working”
(The Age, Family violence: can we afford not to invest?, 4th April 2016). However, Ms McCormack indicates that significant contributions and investment will be required if precious lives are to be protected and saved rather than simply rolling out the services.
On Wednesday, 13th April 2016 Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced a $572 million state-wide funding boost for the next two years to respond to the Royal Commission recommendations, saying “The Royal Commission told us there were some things that can’t wait, so we are taking urgent action to help save lives”.
What does this mean for our churches? There are three recommendations for faith communities:
Recommendation 163
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Multifaith Advisory Group and the Victorian Multicultural Commission, in partnership with expert family violence practitioners, develop training packages on family violence and sexual assault for faith leaders and communities [within three years]. These packages should build on existing work, reflect leading practice in responding to family violence, and include information about referral pathways for victims and perpetrators. The training should be suitable for inclusion as part of the pre-service learning in various faith training institutes, as well as the ongoing professional development of faith leaders.
Recommendation 164
The Department of Health and Human Services consult with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Multifaith Advisory Group, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and women from faith communities as part of its review of standards forspecialist family violence service providers (including men’s behaviour change programs), to ensure that these standards and the associated services take account of the needs of people in faith communities who experience family violence [within two years].
Recommendation 165
Faith leaders and communities establish processes for examining the ways in which theycurrently respond to family violence in their communities and whether any of their practices operate as deterrents to the prevention or reporting of, or recovery from, family violence or are used by perpetrators to excuse or condone abusive behaviour.
Some faith based services have responded to these recommendations.Catholic Social Services Victoria mentioned that The Victorian Royal Commission is the first in Australia to recognise the urgency and importance of the issue of family and domestic violence and welcomes the recommendations.
An article from the Uniting Church publication Crosslight unpacks an aspect of the family and domestic violence dialogue not often addressed, saying “the stigma attached to seeking a divorce may risk exposing victims to further abuse by their family members. This barrier can force women into making a choice between their safety and their faith” (Crosslight 31st March 2016 “Royal Commission into Family Violence releases Report”).
The NCCA Safe Church Program together with the Victorian Council of Churches are working together to address these recommendations to lead the way for our churches to be safe places and safe spaces to support those impacted by family and domestic violence.
Safe Church Tip
Pastoral and Professional Supervision
Supervision is a practice in the duty of care to those who are in ministry and leadership. Being able to debrief concerns and be held accountable to their roles and responsibilities is a professional standard across many forms of work including psychologists, doctors, social workers and youth workers, and therefore should be a standard held by those in church leadership and pastoral ministries.
Contact the NCCA Safe Church Program
Cameron Haig
National Coordinator
(03) 9650 6811
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OR
1800 625 611 (FREE-CALL)
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www.safechurches.org.au
