Creating Safe Places:
The Role of Safe Ministry in Responding to
Family and Domestic Violence in our Church Communities
Davina Goldthorpe, Member, Family and Domestic Violence Working Group and Safe Ministry Services Manager
The Diocese of Perth Safe Ministry Framework includes the commitment to ensure we have safe and welcoming environments for all. But, how do we ensure these spaces are also safe and welcoming for those who may be experiencing family and domestic violence?
Through the work of our own Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Working Group, supported by the Anglican Church of Australia: Families and Culture Commission, we recognise that family and domestic violence can occur in any location, community, including within our own congregations.
The 2021 survey commissioned by the Anglican Church of Australia found the prevalence of intimate partner violence among Anglicans was higher than the wider Australian community. Western Australia shows the highest overall rates of FDV-related police reports, at 979 reports per 100,000 in 2023 – an increase of
30 per cent since 2017.
At our 2023 Synod, it was resolved to not only recognise the important work being done to respond to instances of family and domestic violence in the Church, but importantly, expressed a collective affirmation of the Ten Commitments for the Prevention and Response to Domestic and Family Violence in the Anglican Church of Australia and their place with our respective ministry settings. (18/23 Family and Domestic Violence).
We affirm that violence and abuse of any kind have no place in our church communities and are committed to meaningfully responding to those who have been harmed or those who do harm. Creating a safe place for those experiencing family and domestic violence requires a committed approach. This includes developing policies to guide practice, raising awareness, delivering training, and providing resources to access support services for those who seek it.
In 2024, the Diocese collaborated with Anglicare WA to provide training to Clergy and Lay Pastoral Ministers, raising awareness and equipping them with the tools to respond appropriately. This work continues through 2025-2026, with Anglicare WA offering Standing Together Workshops to the community through our parishes.
The Safe Ministry Training, which is a requirement for all who hold a role, position or volunteer in our church communities, equips us with the knowledge to recognise when harm may be occurring, and where to seek support when we have concerns.
How do we measure the impact of this work? Particularly as pastoral sensitivities and people’s safety can see this work and support undertaken very discretely. However, a key indication of this work making an impact is through noticing an increase in people seeking support, how people express to their close confidents their feelings of safety, and whether they are protected, and empowered?
The question isn’t just whether these initiatives are effective but how we can work towards an end to all forms of violence and abuse in our church communities. By highlighting the need for often difficult conversations, and providing more information and resources, we can be better prepared to support those who come forward in our congregations struggling with family and domestic violence.
The FDV Working Group is here to assist and guide these efforts, as is the Safe Ministry Team. Reach out, have a conversation, learn more and have the courage to take action against any form of violence and abuse we see in our community.
For more information, visit the Diocesan website and search for Family and Domestic Violence, to access resources and see what else the Diocese is doing in this important area.
