THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK.
This week I have been required to attend a training session on domestic violence which is defined in the UK as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.”
If the victim is under the age of 16 years it is defined as child abuse rather than domestic violence. The abuse centres around having “power” over another individual whether that be physical, emotional, sexual or financial.
Domestic violence is far more prevalent than many might think and victims often live with it for years for many reasons, fear, acceptance, lack of options etc.
What can be a defining factor in an individual taking the necessary steps to escape from the situation is just one other person listening to them, talking to them, being they’re for them. It is just a fact that there will be some forms of domestic violence taking place in our own benefice.
As disciples of Christ, we are all charged with loving our neighbour as ourselves. So, what are we to do? We can listen to our neighbour, we can unobtrusively observe looking for changes in behaviour or for signs of a neighbour not flourishing as they once did.
We can be there to listen and if needed support. What we can’t do, is turn a blind eye or to take the view that it is none of our business.
If you have concerns or just want to share a concern please contact Carl Steventon safeguarding@hereford.anglican.org (07593817717) or Lisa Anderson, same email (07999 028076).
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