Several years ago, a gunman entered a busy restaurant and opened fire, killing several people. A number of the casualties were men who had thrown themselves on top of their wives, to protect them from the gunfire. I don’t think many people were surprised by these acts of bravery. Even in our very modern culture, it seems right and natural for a man to protect his wife. The Bible, of course, commands husbands to love their wives with a self-sacrificing love, even to the point of death.

For this reason, domestic violence is particularly abhorrent. It is worse than other forms of violence because it involves such a deep betrayal of trust. The one who was meant to be the protector has become the aggressor, the defender has become the destroyer, the friend has become the foe. The experience of victims is not easily imagined or described, the overwhelming feelings of terror and helplessness and hopelessness.

Should we ignore this problem? In the early chapters of Genesis, God asks Cain about his brother Abel, whom Cain has just murdered. Cain retorts, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”, meaning, “Am I responsible for his welfare?” I take it the right answer is “Yes!” Jesus commanded us to love our neighbours, not to stand by while they are afflicted and suffering. God has always had a special compassion toward the vulnerable, and this surely includes the victims of domestic violence. We are “our sister’s keeper”, we cannot ignore their situation.

November 25th is White Ribbon Day, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The campaign is not anti-male - in fact it was started by men, and only men may become ambassadors. White Ribbon Day recognises that men are in the best position to effect change in this area. They can show leadership by setting a good example, and by intervening to protect the victims of domestic violence when it does occur. 

This is a great scheme to support, and a very practical way to show our compassion for those about us. A friend pointed out that the White Ribbon Day ambassador list contains more footballers than Anglican ministers! A real shame, and perhaps this can be corrected next year. But this year you can help by purchasing a ribbon on November 25th, and by giving some thought to this very serious issue.