Instead of getting defensive, churches should work to address domestic violence

You might have seen the recent media coverage looking into the relationship between church leaders and church members who have experienced family and domestic violence. As part of a series on domestic violence and religion, the ABC recently reported on claims the church is failing to protect victims, and enabling perpetrators. 

Some commentators have claimed it to be an "attack on Christianity", part of an ongoing campaign to vilify institutions and people of faith. This is a dangerous misinterpretation of the reporting, which speaks to an important issue that we all need to work to address.

The statistics around domestic and family violence in Australia are nothing short of shocking. On average, at least one woman is killed by a partner or former partner each week, and one in four Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

Although men and children can also be directly affected, the vast majority of people who experience domestic and family violence are women. Domestic and family violence is underpinned by gender inequality and entrenched gender roles, with research showing a clear link between a lack of support for gender equality and violence against women.