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:

The Anglican Diocese of Tasmania denounces family violence in all its forms.
Reaffirms its commitment to the 2015 motion against family violence.
The Family Violence Task Force be encouraged to further educate and equip our parishes.
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.
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.

Justice for Her - Our Pledge

We pledge, as the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania, to be a church community shaped by the love, justice, and compassion of Jesus Christ, where every person is treated with dignity and care.

We commit to fostering churches, ministries, and workplaces that are places of safety and where people can flourish — places where family and domestic violence is neither hidden nor tolerated, and where those who are impacted are met with truth, grace, and practical support.

Grounded in our calling to shepherd God’s people, we will listen carefully to those who disclose harm, respond with wisdom and integrity, and walk alongside them with pastoral sensitivity and respect.

We will continue to strengthen our practices, policies, and partnerships so that our response is informed, consistent, and effective. We recognise our responsibility not only to respond, but to prevent harm.

We will seek to shape a culture that reflects Jesus' care for the vulnerable, challenges attitudes and behaviours that enable violence, and equips our leaders to model safe, healthy, and accountable relationships.

In all things, we commit ourselves to prayer, humility, and ongoing learning, trusting that God is at work in bringing healing, justice, and restoration.