Are you or someone you know living with family violence?

The Bible is wholly against violence and oppression in any relationship. Jesus’ ethic is an ethic of love and self-sacrifice, of gentleness and respect in relationships.

The Anglican Church in Tasmania recognises the horrific reality of family violence in our society and takes matters of violence and abuse seriously. We provide resources to educate people about the prevalence of family violence in our communities, as well as help them to respond well and support those who may be experiencing family violence.

Acknowledge:

We acknowledge that such violence has deep and long-lasting effects. We grieve that people, who have been created in the image of God; loved and known by God have suffered pain and trauma because of violence. As a church, we seek to affirm the value and dignity of all people. We seek to speak out about the reality of family violence and challenge our communities to be safe places for all people.

Respond:

Our church has responded to the issue of family violence and abuse in numerous ways including motions passed at the 2015 and 2021 Synod of the Diocese of Tasmania* as well as a commitment to train our Clergy and communities in understanding the patterns of abuse; appropriate responses and actions; awareness of additional support material; and encouragement to use experts who work in the area.

Support:

We acknowledge that there are those within our church communities that have suffered and still suffer abuse. We seek to listen to survivors and through the training of our Clergy and church communities, our desire is that our churches be safe places of healing and support.

Synod 2021

At the 2021 Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, the following motion was passed:

“THAT this Synod resolves that:

  1. The Anglican Diocese of Tasmania denounces family violence in all its forms.
  2. Reaffirms its commitment to the 2015 motion against family violence.
  3. The Family Violence Task Force be encouraged to further educate and equip our parishes.
  4. The Diocese of Tasmania commits to providing ministry leaders and congregations with information about external avenues of support and reporting for those affected by family violence.
  5. The Family Violence Task Force Working Group reports progress at the next sitting of Synod.”

Bishop Richard Condie says, “I have zero tolerance for abuse of any kind. There is no place for family violence or abuse in our churches or communities. We want our communities to be safe, respectful and supportive places in which to live, and none more so than in the family home.”

If you or someone you know needs help please call the Domestic Violence hotline on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If it’s an emergency dial 000.

A more complete list of Tasmanian Services, Support and Information can be found here.

Resources

The following resources have been developed and made available to help those involved in pastoral ministry in Tasmania:

KNOW Family Violence Resources

Family Violence and Abuse Guidelines 2018

Family Violence and Abuse Handbook for clergy and pastoral workers

Examples of biblical teaching on Family Violence and Abuse

10 Commitments for Preventing and Responding to Domestic and Family Violence 

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