Faith Communities Statement on Family Violence and Violence against Women



At the Victorian Interfaith Networks Conference – held in Bendigo – Faith Communities Chair Murray Davies launched the Victorian Faith Communities Statement on the prevention of family violence and violence against women.



 

During an impassioned speech, Faith Communities Council of Victoria chairperson Murray Davies called upon people of faith to help eliminate family violence. “Sacred texts, scriptures, cultures and traditions should not be used as a way to justify or excuse violence against women,” he said.“We (the Faith Communities Council of Victoria ) undertake a journey together to raise awareness in our communities and to stop violence against women before it occurs. “Its (family violence) roots are abuse of power and control of one person over another.”

The Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) has issued the following statement on the prevention of family violence and violence against women:

As faith community leaders, we oppose family violence and violence against women in all its forms, and call upon people of faith to play a role in its elimination.

In Australia, one woman is killed on average each week by a current or former partner, and one in four children witness their mother being abused. Violence is not just physical, it can be psychological, emotional, sexual, financial or spiritual. The roots are abuse of power and the control of one person over another.

Violence against women and their children takes a profound and long-term toll on women and children’s health and wellbeing, on families and communities, and on society as a whole. It is a violation of basic human rights that affects people in all social, economic, racial, religious and ethnic groups.

Across our faith traditions, we declare:

  • Sacred texts, scriptures and cultural traditions should not be used as a way to justify or excuse violence against women.
  • We commit ourselves to changing community attitudes that accept violence toward women. We undertake a journey together to raise awareness in our communities and to stop violence against women before it occurs.
  • We stand against all forms of violence and discrimination. We see preventing family violence and violence against women as a key entry point for addressing all forms of violence and promoting human rights.
  • Every human being should be seen as valued, important and equal. To live in a world where our families and communities are free and safe from violence, we must treat all individuals – women, men, girls and boys – with dignity, equality and respect.
  • Promoting equality and respect in our communities benefits us all and strengthens our communities. A strong community is one where we can all contribute and participate equally.
  • Our faiths affirm that love, respect, equality and living well together are goals to aim for.

 

Download the Faith Communities Council Statement on Family Violence and Violence against Women

 

 

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