Last Wednesday, 25^th November, was White Ribbon Day. On this day we were confronted with the terrible abuse of women. Moreover, we were challenged to take action to break this cycle of violence that is killing, on average, one woman every week in Australia.

Violence against women and violence within families is endemic in Australia. Often repressed within a cone of silence, such violence is both unacceptable and clearly contrary to what God intends.

This violence can be physical where women are hit or beaten.

This violence can be emotional where women are verbally humiliated in many ways.

This violence can be economic where women are totally dependent, controlled and trapped within a relationship because they have no access to money.

This violence can be sexual where women’s bodies are violated.

This violence can psychological where women are put under suspicion, not trusted or dismissed.

And this violence can be spiritual where the Christian tradition or the Bible is used as a means of excluding, putting down or marginalizing women.

At the heart of the Gospel is peace and justice. And with this in mind St Paul calls us to grow as a whole body, speaking the truth and building itself up in love (Ephesians 4: 12, 15).

As a people of God we are to engage in relationships, indeed we are to engage in all forms of relationships whether they involve women, men or children, that are respectful, mutual and are based on the self-giving love of Jesus.

We are to forgive. But forgiveness must include an act of repentance by perpetrators accompanied with a change in behaviour and attitudes.  

We are to focus on empowering others rather than using power over them.

We are to ensure our children are seen, heard, loved and respected.

And we are to ensure those who abuse take responsibility for their behaviour.   

Jesus said “I came that they may have life is all its abundance” (John 10:10). As followers of Jesus we are to say an emphatic “no” to all forms of violence.

We are called to honor, respect and value one another. Violence in any form, whether it be physical, emotional, economic, sexual, psychological or spiritual against anyone – must not be tolerated. It’s a sin and has no place in our living.

John Barr

• For help contact: Lifeline 13 11 14 or RESPECT 1800 737 732