Sensitive content notice: The following article contains content about domestic and family violence. If this raises any issues for you the following support options are available 24 hours a day/seven days a week: MensLine Australia https://mensline.org.au (PH: 1300 78 99 78) and 1800 Respect https://1800respect.org.au (PH:1800 737 732).
The Anglican Diocese of Adelaide’s Domestic and Family Violence Working Group is again participating in an international campaign to raise awareness and eliminate violence toward women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign commencing on the 25th of November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and continues until the 10th of December, which is International Human Rights Day. This campaign serves to unite people the world over to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism provides an opportunity for parishes to participate in raising awareness of this issue within their community. The campaign aligns with the General Synod’s Ten Commitments which have been adopted by the Adelaide Diocese. The Ten Commitments guide the work of the Diocese in ensuring that parishes and those supporting people experiencing or who have experienced violence are equipped to be a strong voice and advocate for change across our community.
The Anglican Church of Australia’s Families and Culture Commission (FCC) has a social media campaign which supports these efforts and highlights the work of the FCC and the Adelaide Diocese toward bringing an end to violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism was launched last week at St Andrew’s, Walkerville with a moving service where attendees gathered in prayer and solidarity to remember and to stand together for the safety and respect of every home and heart. Candles were quietly lit followed by solemn prayers for an end to violence and an urging for the Holy Spirit to bring us strength and peace.
Reverend Tracey Gracey led the service, with Reverend Stephen Bloor, Chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Working Group delivering a reflective message, reminding us of the hope and courage that can be found in Jesus for those who are suffering or are impacted by violence, whether they are Christian believers or not. Bishop Sophie then led a short service of dedication of a new Purple Bench installed at the Belt Reserve, Walkerville in partnership between the Parish, Diocese of Adelaide and the City of Walkerville.
Bishop’s Sophie’s prayed to our God of love, that the bench may be blessed as a place of remembrance and resolve. Where those who pause here find peace and courage and may it speak silently of dignity for all, and of our shared promise to build a community free from violence. Through Christ, the bringer of peace. Amen.
Councillor John Zeppel representing the City of Walkerville said at the dedication that “this bench stands as a sign of the Walkerville Council’s commitment to building a community where everyone feels safe, respected and supported. May it be a place of rest and reflection, and a reminder that love is stronger than fear, and that every person deserves dignity, care and kindness.”
The bench was funded by the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide and installed by the City of Walkerville.
Many representatives of the Walkerville Council attended the service, along with members of the Parish, the Mother’s Union, working group members and the wider Anglican community.
Banners have also been displayed at prominent Anglican parish sites across the 16 Days campaign including Synod Office.
The Purple Bench project was first set up in Nova Scotia, Canada in 2015 and purple benches are now springing up, worldwide. Painted bright purple each bench is situated in a public place and displays a plaque, in memory of those who have died through family or domestic violence (FDV). The bench also displays crisis helpline numbers for those who find themselves in need. Purple is associated with the global Domestic Violence Awareness Movement.
