In Australia this year, one woman has been violently killed every four days. Increasingly we are aware of the way abusive behaviours form patterns over time to create and maintain power and dominance over another, whether emotionally, sexually, spiritually, or financially. This is not an isolated issue affecting a few but an issue that impacts everyone, across every social divide.
Our culture and indeed our church so often misguidedly believe that love can still be present where one group or individual dominates another. The church has not only been silent, but in some of its teachings has actively supported structures of dominance and control.
May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Jenny Clark is the Domestic and Family Violence Project Officer for the Anglican Church Southern Queensland. She joins the podcast for this conversation that explores the power and misuse of power that is present in structures and teaching of the church, how this can enable abuse and what we can do about it.
If this podcast raises issues for you and you need to talk;
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
Details of other support services can be found at https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/
If you are in immediate danger call 000 for Police or Ambulance