Because every person deserves to be safe, valued, and free from violence.
Domestic and family violence is a heartbreaking reality in our nation. Every nine days, a woman is killed by a current or former partner in Australia. One in four women — and one in fourteen men — have experienced violence from a partner or former partner since the age of 15.
While abuse can happen to anyone, the statistics show that women are much more likely to be victims, and men more likely to use violence. And this kind of harm often happens in silence — behind closed doors, in homes and families, and even in our churches.
Over the past decade, the Australian government, media, and advocacy movements have brought domestic and family violence to the forefront of our national conscience. As part of this important work, a spotlight has been shone on the reality of violence occurring in church communities.
Domestic and family violence occurs in every denomination and theological tradition. Victim-survivors may seek care and guidance from those within their church before accessing specialist support. And while many churches are committed to care, too many still lack the training, resources, and confidence to respond safely and effectively.
While churches have begun to respond — acknowledging the reality of abuse, learning to recognise its signs, and taking first steps toward safety and justice - there is still much further to go.
We know this can be hard to face. But we also know this: the Church has a vital role to play in making things better.
We believe the Church should be a place of safety.
The Church is called to be a place of refuge, justice, healing, and love — a community where the vulnerable are protected, the wounded are cared for, and power is never used to harm.
Many people who are experiencing violence turn first to someone in their church — a pastor, a small group leader, a trusted friend — before they speak to anyone else. That means all of us have a part to play in recognising abuse, offering support, and helping people find safety and healing.
The good news is that more churches are talking about this than ever before. Awareness is growing. But we still have a long way to go.
Some of us don’t know how to spot the signs. Others don’t feel confident in how to respond. Sometimes we fall into patterns that unknowingly silence victims or protect those causing harm. That’s why SAFER was created.
Join Us in Making Our Communities SAFER
We believe that every person is made in the image of God, and that means every person deserves to live free from fear, control, and violence.
Together, we can shape churches and communities where abuse is never tolerated, and where healthy, respectful relationships can flourish.
Take Action Today
Start learning
Explore the SAFER resource to understand domestic and family violence and how churches can respond.
Support a victim-survivor
Get practical tools to care for someone in your life who may be experiencing abuse.
Equip your church
Find resources to share with your pastor, small group, or leadership team.
Challenge harmful beliefs
Discover how Scripture has been misused — and how a healthy theology can bring healing and truth.
Join the movement
Be part of a growing community of Australian Christians committed to ending domestic and family violence.
Together, with God’s grace, we can make our homes, our churches, and our communities SAFER.
