Domestic and family violence

An open letter to Seventh-day Adventists in Queensland

Domestic and family violence is a criminal offence because it is damaging. We know. We see the results of abuse--long-term, distorted perceptions of self, family and God--in the women who come to our refuges. Some of these women are Adventists.

The Queensland Government is joining with the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Council to organise Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Week, beginning May 4, to remind us of our responsibility to take seriously any indications or reports of abuse.

We challenge you, as Adventist Christians, to act on this responsibility because abusive behaviour is not only a violation of Adventist standards but of government legislation as well.

We encourage you to respond by listening to, believing and accepting unconditionally victims of abuse and caring for their families. Even speak out in defence of victims of abuse. Remember that Paul refers in the Bible to the Christian church as "the household of faith."

We also encourage you to challenge any religious or cultural belief that victims and perpetrators could use to justify or cover up domestic and family violence. But please don't shut out victims or perpetrators if you do this. Yes, hold perpetrators responsible for their actions, but reconcile with them as a change in attitude and behaviour opens new beginnings for them.

As children of God, we must care for victims of abuse. No excuses are acceptable. You actually condone domestic and family violence if you take the easy option and walk away from it.

Jenny Belford and Sheree Black
Team workers
Sonshine Sanctuary

Carol Kimpton
Coordinator
Sanctuary 7

Michell J McKenzie
Hope Haven

Adele Rowden-Johnson
Director
Southlakes Women's Refuge

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