On November 22, more than 70 prominent religious leaders representing all major faiths signed a declaration with the NSW Government to help end domestic violence.
Developed in consultation with leaders from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh communities, the declaration contains a raft of commitments the interfaith group has agreed to act on with the state government.
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the declaration by senior faith leaders helped create a united sense of purpose, ownership and commitment to reduce the prevalence of domestic and family violence.
“Everyone can make a difference and be a part of the change in ensuring domestic and family violence is neither excused nor ignored in our community.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said faith leaders play an incredibly important role within their respective communities and are looked to for guidance and information.
“The NSW Government recognises this and our partnership with them is the key to connecting with communities more effectively, especially when it comes to important issues like domestic and family violence.
“We have been actively working to with these leaders to provide them with the skills and information they need to help people when they are approached or engaging with their communities.”
The Rev. Simon Hansford, Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and the ACT, said the signing of the declaration was momentous.
“Domestic and family violence occurs across the whole of society, and it does not discriminate,” he said.
“We acknowledge that communities have not always been a safe place for victims, survivors, and the families of those who experience domestic violence and as such we accept the important role that we as leaders have in addressing domestic and family violence in all its forms.”
The declaration ends by saying: “We as leaders will promote dignity and respect and send messages to our communities that condemn domestic and family violence. Together with the NSW Government we will proactively work towards the reduction of domestic and family violence.”
In NSW, one woman dies every ten days at the hands of her current or former partner. A recent United Nations global study also found that more than five women or girls were killed every hour by intimate partners or family members in 2021.
It’s (beyond) time our leaders got serious.
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The declaration can be found here https://tinyurl.com/msk9acc3
NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 65 64 63
1800 RESPECT – 1800 73 77 32
