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Knowing signs of violence

We hear about domestic and family violence in the news and when politicians are pledging support. But do we see it when it is close by, with people we know, including in our congregations and neighbourhoods? Would you like to learn more about how to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence, so that you can respond appropriately?

You can do so through an online module on the LCANZ Learning Hub, developed for the church as part of its Hidden Hurts Healing Hearts Campaign. The training is designed as a self-paced learning module for pastors, church workers and leaders to help raise awareness of the impact of domestic and family violence and to strengthen the support you may be already giving to people experiencing it. This training is recognised for professional development purposes for LCANZ employees.

Recently updated with links to many relevant resources, module topics include:

  • What is Domestic Violence? Signs and Impact of Domestic Violence
  • Faith and Domestic Violence
  • Responding to those experiencing Domestic Violence
  • Responding to a person who is violent and abusive
  • Self-Care
  • The Church and Healing

HOW TO ACCESS THE TRAINING HUB

Those with LCA email addresses can access the hub using the LCANZ Learning Hub button on the LCA Portal. People who have previously accessed training via ALC iLearn can use those credentials via the ALC iLearn page: https://ilearn.alc.edu.au/

Others will need to contact the LCANZ’s Church Worker Support Department (churchworkersupport@lca.org.au or phone 08 8267 7300) for a single-use enrolment key. This will enable them to enrol and log in via the ALC iLearn page using an email and password that they will then set up.

16 DAYS OF ADVOCACY

From November 25 to December 10 is recognised internationally as 16 days of advocacy and activism to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Churches around the world use this time as one of prayer and commitment to action – actions that promote healthy relationships and bring transformative change to those caught in the cycle of violence. You and your congregation may like to pray and think about how to advocate for or support someone experiencing violence.

We pray for:

  • willingness to learn about domestic and family violence and acknowledge the damage it does within our church family
  • emergency service workers responding to crisis calls
  • doctors, nurses, social workers and counsellors attending to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wounds of those who have been abused
  • our churches, that they may be safe places for the vulnerable
  • eyes and ears that notice when someone is disclosing abuse
  • courage to speak up against disrespectful behaviour
  • children, young people and elderly people, vulnerable to being abused
  • all women, men and children to find lives free from violence
  • pastors, teachers and pastoral leaders, teaching and modelling loving and healthy relationships.

DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE HELP

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic and family violence, visit www.anrows.org.au/get-support or call 1800 RESPECT (24-hour National Sexual Assault Family Domestic Violence Counselling Service), or Lifeline Counselling (24 hours) 131 114. In an emergency, call 000.

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