Day 16

Domestic and family violence is a human rights violation

The United Nations advises that violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation worldwide affecting more than an estimated 1 in 3 women, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the last decade.

While in Australia, one woman dies per week and one child every fortnight due to domestic and family violence, the most recent global estimates are even more shocking, showing that, on average, more than 5 women or girls are killed every hour by someone in their own family.

A Prayer for International Human Rights Day

Christ in whom we hope, millions of women and girls on this planet are denied their right to life, to safety, to opportunity, to participation, to equal respect and honour.

Every person, every adult, every child has their origin in you, is made in your image, and is called to be their best and to make their best contribution to the flourishing of this world you have given us to care for.

Lord Jesus, you came that we might all have life to the full. Loved by you, with you on our journey, bringing you glory as we grow and learn and live and love in this world, in our work, in our relationships.

May all those whose lives have been broken by others, find their way to freedom, find their way forward after their trauma, and find in you the joy of salvation.

As your hands and feet in this world, and with the accompaniment of your Spirit and the witness of the saints, we commit afresh to this endeavour. To be good neighbours, to be good Samaritans, and to change the world in our generation.

Amen