‘No More’

By Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger, Senior Chaplain

One of the joys of being a priest is presiding at weddings. On Saturday I presided at a wedding at a beautiful location in Murrumbateman. The Autumn trees and sun were radiant and so was the couple as they publicly declared their love for each other. It was a very special afternoon.

One aspect of the Anglican marriage rites is that when the vows are being exchanged the couple will offer, take up and receive the hands of their partner. The couple then momentarily let go of hands so that the other partner can offer, take up and receive their partner’s hands. This tender and deliberate action symbolises that love cannot be coerced. Love is always given and received freely for the benefit of the other. Love is marked by freedom, generosity, and reciprocity.

In stark contrast, as has been brought to our attention again in the ‘No More: National Rally Against Violence’ rallies across Australia on the weekend, we know that the experience for too many women in our communities is that their relationships and realities are marked by danger, abuse, and coercion.

I attended the march to Parliament House on Sunday. The crowd was made up of many different people all with a common desire to make a strong statement that violence against women must end. Representatives from local organisations such as Domestic Violence Crisis Centre, Canberra Rape Crisis Centre and EveryMan spoke about the work that they do and how waiting lists and people seeking help greatly outnumber their resources.

Where to from here?

  • The Anglican Church of Australia has responded with the comprehensive work of a task force to address Domestic and Family Violence in the church and community. The results of the research and the Ten Commitments for Prevention and Response to Domestic and Family Violence in the Anglican Church of Australia can be found here.
  • I found this article by Jess Hill informative about causes and solutions.
  • The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022 – 2032 can be accessed here.

We need our national and local frontline services to be fully resourced to prevent and respond to violence against women. We also need to commit to be agents of change as we seek to see the human story in every statistic and newsclip. Education is a crucial part of prevention and response.


The Anglican prayer book A Prayer Book for Australia offers prayers to bring healing and change:

Those suffering abuse

God, our redeemer and sustainer,

we pray for survivors of violence, abuse and neglect.

Give your power to the powerless,

your fullness to the empty of spirit.

Heal their wounds, free them from fear,

and restore them to health.

Grant this through Jesus Christ,

the crucified and risen Saviour

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Those who abuse

Judge of all the earth,

God of justice,

we bring before you those who abuse others.

Turn the hearts of the violent from the way of evil.

Fill them with a hatred of the damage they do,

so bringing them to true repentance

and amendment of their lives,

for Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen

May God bless and empower all who are working to prevent and respond to violence against women. May God empower us all to play our part in building safe communities.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit www.1800respect.org.au

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