Faith Macale
The Melton Interfaith Network has created a video condemning family violence.
The video, ’Addressing Domestic Violence from a Multi-Faith Perspective’, was put together following a 15 per cent rise in family violence incidents in the municipality in the 12 months to June.
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, 3235 family violence incidents were recorded in Melton between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, up from 2811 incidents in the 12 months prior.
Melton Interfaith Network’s David Cowan said all participants in the video were asked to answer five questions relating to domestic violence and what their sacred texts say about it.
“They answered those questions from their perspective,” he said.
“All of them have the same challenges about people not wanting to come forward because of social pressure.
“Particularly with women, what will happen if they leave home, how will they survive, and what will happen to their kids.”
Mr Cowan said places of worship across the municipality are working to educate their communities about respect and what respect means.
“All faiths are open to be able to help with that, so if someone comes to them for help, and no one’s going to be turned away,“ he said.
“The good thing is they all will understand the importance of faith in the person and be able to give some direction in a spiritual way, but it is also important if you get professional counselling and support services.”
Mr Cowan said was important for religious groups to address the topics of domestic violence and trauma because all faith communities want to provide support.
“They want to be a safe place for people to engage,” he said.
“We don’t want people suffering.
“If you can, you need to be able to provide the resources for people to get the quality of life they need and to reduce harm.
“All faiths are about providing peace and harmony and safety, and you cannot provide a good community where people are suffering through domestic violence and abuse.”
