Anglicare has launched a practical resource for women who encounter domestic abuse, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.

The Book, titled Renew – an Australian Guide for Christian Women Survivors of Domestic Abuse, is designed for use within Christian communities, parishes and small church groups.

God sees her, she is a beloved child of God, and God wants her to find safety and healing.

Lynda Dunstan, the book’s editor and Anglicare’s Family and Domestic Violence Advisor, says: “The handbook provides guidance for a survivor’s ongoing support and recovery and assurance to a Christian woman experiencing abuse that the abuse is not her fault. God sees her, she is a beloved child of God, and God wants her to find safety and healing.

She added that the guide draws on the latest research and practice to offer a range of support, covering “the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of a survivor of domestic abuse”. Each chapter deals with a specific topic and provides links to further resources. 

Available here, the book supplements a number of other resources available to parishes through the Sydney Diocese’s Safe Ministry Team.

At the same time, the Archdeacon for Women’s Ministry, Archdeacon Kara Hartley, this week addressed the NSW Interfaith Domestic and Family Violence Declaration Forum at State Parliament, sharing the response of the Diocese to domestic abuse issues. 

If you are in a situation of domestic abuse you are encouraged to reach out. Help and support is available to you, either through your church, or Anglicare counselling: 1300 651728. You can also contact a Domestic Violence Service such as 1800 Respect (1800 737 732).