Village's policy on Domestic Violence
We are part of a fellowship of churches (the Anglican Diocese of Sydney) who have together expressed a resolve to oppose all forms of domestic abuse.
Accordingly, the Village Church parish council and staff team have adopted the Sydney Anglican policy on responding to domestic abuse
All forms of domestic abuse are wrong. Perpetrators must stop.
1. The primary focus of this Policy is abusive or intimidating behaviour inflicted by an adult against a current or former spouse or partner. (Abuse involving children should follow child protection procedures.) Domestic abuse includes but is not limited to emotional, verbal, social, economic, psychological, spiritual, physical and sexual abuse. Such behaviour often seeks to control, humiliate, dominate or instill fear in the victim.
2. We are committed to safe places which –
3. We uphold Faithfulness in Service as our national code of conduct for clergy and church workers, specifically its affirmations that –
Abuse of power is at the heart of many relationship problems in the Church and in the community. In essence, abuse is one person’s misuse of power over another. Sometimes abuse will be a one-off event and at other times it will be a pattern of behaviour, (6.2)
4. We recognise that Domestic abuse requires a serious and realistic response –
Domestic abuse, if witnessed or overheard by a child, is a form of child abuse by the perpetrator of the abusive behaviour,
5. We respect people who come to us for help by –
6. We uphold Scripture and its abhorrence of abuse in our words and public statements by –
Raising awareness of domestic violence agencies, support services, crisis accommodation, resources and expertise.
7. We ensure safety first by –
Getting help from outside – Working with the appropriate statutory authorities during an investigation into domestic abuse, including when allegations are made against a member of the church community,
Keeping it confidential – Respecting the need for confidentiality within the bounds of good Safe Ministry practice, noting that reporting requirements exist where there is an immediate danger, where a child is at risk of serious harm or where the matter involves a clergy person or church worker as an alleged offender, and
Challenging with Care – Carefully challenging inappropriate behaviour, but only in a way that does not place any individual, especially a victim, at increased risk.
8. We offer pastoral support to those in our care by –
Being guided by the victim – Never pressuring any victim of domestic abuse to forgive, submit to, or restore a relationship with an offender,
If you have any concerns or need to talk to anyone, please contact:
The Police (000)
1800 Respect National Helpline (1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au)
Child Protection Helpline (132 111)
Lifeline (131 114 or lifeline.org.au/get-help)
Professional Standards Unit (+612 9265 1604 or safeministry.org.au)