DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (14:51): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question about the launch of Domestic Violence: Handbook for Clergy and Pastoral Workers.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: All of us in this chamber know of the minister's ardent commitment to educating South Australians about domestic violence. The minister has told us time and time again in this place of the government's efforts to stamp out domestic violence, and it is axiomatic that she has been driving that agenda. She has told us in this place time and time again how we all have a role in standing up against this scourge in society. I ask the minister once again to remind us about this issue and to perhaps advise us what other groups in the community are doing in this campaign, particularly churches and faith groups.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for the City of Adelaide) (14:51): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and his ongoing interest in this particular issue. This morning I had the great pleasure of attending the launch of Domestic Violence: Handbook for Clergy and Pastoral Workers. Archbishop Philip Wilson, chair of the South Australian Heads of Christian Churches, officially launched this very valuable resource. I was particularly pleased to attend the event because I think collaboration between Christian churches and government and non-government agencies is very important, particularly when dealing with an issue like domestic violence, which can affect really any part of our community whatsoever.

For many people who are suffering, the church, or their local priest or pastoral worker, is often the first port of call for help and assistance and guidance. This new handbook is designed to increase the understanding of clergy and pastoral workers about domestic violence and abuse and to support them in responding to individuals and families in the community. During recent months, the South Australian Council of Churches, in conjunction with church welfare organisations and government community workers, has facilitated the writing of this excellent handbook.

The handbook focuses on the safety of victims and provides a guide to the different types of violence that can occur. It points out that, in addition to physical violence, abuse can be spiritual, psychological, sexual, social or economic. It was very pleasing to listen to Archbishop Philip Wilson speak this morning, and it is clear that he is committed to assisting clergy and other pastoral workers across the churches to be better able to respond to women and families experiencing domestic violence.

I was particularly moved to hear a young mother speak at this morning's event. It took a lot of courage for her to get up in front of an audience to share her personal story about domestic violence and that of her young children. We heard about a very trying and unsupportive experience that she had had initially with her church, when she was heavily pregnant and needed support and help. She shared that part of the experience with us, but then she went on to talk about the very positive support that she has since received elsewhere in the church and how that has been critical to her safety and wellbeing and that of her children and also to her own personal healing process.

This young woman described her very difficult personal circumstance and experience articulately and with tremendous dignity. There is nothing more powerful than listening to personal stories such as this to help others appreciate the complexity of domestic violence and the fundamental importance of women and children being believed and supported when they are experiencing domestic violence or abuse.

I was also very impressed with the speech made by a male domestic violence worker who was instrumental in initiating the preparation of this handbook. He described seeing in his work a number of women who felt pressured to stay in violent domestic relationships due to their Christian values. This highlighted to him and others who work in the field that further work is needed to increase understanding within Christian communities and to support better and more appropriate responses to the individuals and families concerned.

The partnership that has created this valuable handbook is very positive and will advance the community's commitment to end violence against women and children. I commend the South Australian Council of Churches, in particular Archbishop Philip Wilson, for their important role in this work.