HOPE25 Domestic Violence Seminars
"Its happening here - and we can't stay silent"
In June and July 2025, Southlakes Anglican Church in Morisset hosted a powerful three-part seminar series titled Breaking the Silence. More than just a series of events, Breaking the Silence was a heartfelt, prayerful response to the pressing issue of domestic violence—an issue that deeply affects individuals and families right here in our local community.
The vision for this series was born out of Hope25, an Australia-wide initiative launched by the Anglican Church, calling parishes to step into mission with faith, creativity, and care. Inspired by this movement, our parish formed a dedicated committee in December 2024 to discern how we might become a more visible, compassionate presence in the lives of those around us.
As we listened to our community and engaged in open, honest conversations, one concern continued to rise to the surface: domestic violence. We recognised this not only as a national crisis, but as a local reality—one that cannot be ignored by a church seeking to reflect the love and justice of Jesus Christ.
A Red Bench and A Prayer Box
Our response began with a symbol—a red bench. Partnering with the Red Rose Foundation’s Red Bench project, we committed to installing this striking public reminder of our stand against domestic violence and in solidarity with survivors. Alongside this, we created a Prayer Box—a safe, private space for anyone in the community to submit prayer requests about any struggle they face. For us, these weren’t just gestures—they were declarations of hope and hospitality.
In a tangible step toward raising awareness and creating safe spaces for these difficult conversations, the Lions Club of Morisset generously contributed funding for the installation of a Red Bench on our church grounds. The Red Bench serves as a visible, lasting reminder that domestic violence has no place in our homes, churches, or community—and that those affected are not alone.
The launch of the Red Bench became a meaningful moment within our wider mission—marking the beginning of a season of education, support, and healing through the Breaking the Silence seminar series.
A Journey of Awareness, Storytelling and Support
The Breaking the Silence series unfolded over three Thursday evenings, engaging not only our church members but many from the wider community. Each night built on the one before it, combining personal stories, professional expertise, faith-inspired reflection, and practical action.
Night 1 | The Nature of Domestic Violence
The first seminar dove into the nature of domestic violence—helping attendees understand that abuse goes far beyond physical harm. Elka, a survivor, bravely shared her story, reminding us that the journey from fear to freedom often begins when someone is willing to listen.
We were joined by representatives from Nova for Women and Children, a local organisation providing crisis accommodation and ongoing support to women and children escaping violence. Their insights were sobering and essential. The evening also celebrated a community collaboration: Curves Gym Morisset had rallied its members to donate clothes, toys, and essentials for women supported by Nova—an outpouring of generosity that deeply moved all involved.
Night 2 | Community Action & Escape Pathways
Our second seminar featured more real-life storytelling, as Rod, a member of our own congregation, shared his experience growing up in a household marked by domestic violence. His story helped bridge the gap between childhood trauma and the lifelong impact abuse can leave.
We also welcomed Eastlakes Family Support Service, who unpacked what practical help looks like—from legal support and safety planning to relocation services. This session equipped our community with tools to be part of the solution and underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration.
Night 3 | Theology, Testimony & a Church's Response
The final night brought both depth and healing. Rod returned to share more of his journey, this time reflecting on faith and resilience.
Also heard was the story of Annalise* (name changed to preserve anonymity) read out by Lynn a HOPE25 team member, sharing her personal trauma of being in multiple domestic violent relationships.
Rev Melinda McMahon, Rector of Southlakes Anglican, shared a personal theological reflection on the Church’s historic teachings on marriage, and the harm caused when churches have, in the past, discouraged women from leaving dangerous relationships.
Drawing on Scripture, she pointed to God’s pattern of protecting His people—Joseph’s escape to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, the Israelites’ flight from Egypt—and affirmed clearly that God does not call anyone to remain in harm’s way. She courageously offered a part of her own story, including how she was supported by her church community through a difficult time and how she heard God clearly say, “Run.” Her message was one of grace, strength, and redemption—and it resonated deeply.
A Church. A Community. A Commitment
The Breaking the Silence series had clear goals: raise awareness, offer hope, equip individuals with knowledge, and begin deeper collaboration between churches and community services. And by God’s grace, it bore fruit.
We saw strong attendance from within and beyond our congregation. Relationships were deepened with local representatives and service providers. Our parishioners expressed a desire for further training, and online engagement. Our community showed their support—particularly towards Rev Melinda’s livestreamed talk—which was viewed 339 times
Our church was not just seen but received as a place of refuge, a voice for the vulnerable, and a partner in healing. Nova for Women and Children reported increased community engagement, and the involvement of Curves Gym inspired other local groups to consider how they might help too.
Where to From Here?
We know this work is only beginning. Our next steps include offering domestic violence response training for parishioners, ongoing partnership with community services, and continued public advocacy. Spiritually, we will keep preaching and praying for justice, wholeness, and hope—and our Prayer Box will remain a quiet but powerful invitation for anyone to reach out.
As we reflect on the past month, we are filled with gratitude—for the courage of our speakers, the generosity of our supporters, and the presence of God in every gathering. Breaking the Silence was more than an event. It was a declaration: that we will be a people who speak up, show up, and stand firm.
