Australia’s Anglican Deaconess Ministries has launched a one-time grant of up to $A80,000 to support the development of new initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and healing of women impacted by domestic violence.
The launch of the ‘Restoring Sanctuary’ grant – which is being administered through ADM’s Mercy and Justice arm – comes as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is marked around the world. Data shows that a woman is killed by a current or former partner once a week on average in Australia. Domestic violence is also a leading cause of homelessness.
GRAPHIC: Courtesy of ADM
Amelia Schwarze, ADM program manager and domestic violence specialist, said people don’t always know how to respond to partner abuse.
“[T]his grant provides an important opportunity for Christian women and congregations to create ministries that can address the needs and trauma of abuse victims, that restore a sense of sanctuary for them.”
Applicants for the grant could range from church ministries or social enterprises through to community organisations, for-profit companies or a coalition of bodies. They are invited to present a concept that outlines a new response to the issue of domestic violence and must detail how at least one Christian woman is leading the initiative. Suggested initiatives could include Biblical training programs or research-based projects that address domestic violence and provide recovery opportunities.
ADM said in a statement that grant applicants are invited to consider “new and theologically-based ways to ensure the safety and healing of domestic violence victims among Christian fellowship”. It added that the innovation grant process “is intended to draw out unique solutions from women who understand the impacts of trauma and domestic violence on women, men and children, on families, congregations and communities”.
Schwatze said it was hoped that each phase of the grant would help Christian women and their congregations “see domestic violence as everyone’s responsibility.
“It’s part of Christ’s command to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves’, and for the church to best ensure safe places for those who have suffered such violence.”
Libby Sanders, program manager for ADM’s Mercy and Justice ministries, pointed out that part of ADM’s mandate is to “inspire women to act on their faith through an applied theology of ministry”.
“In addition to bringing Christian women leaders together in this area, we want the grant to sustain the long-term flourishing of women and children in Christ and to see the church resourced to be Christ’s hands and feet in this. That’s our goal.”
Interested applicants may attend an in-person Information Session at ADM on 5th December or participate in a webinar information session on 12th December. Funding will be awarded in June, 2020. For more information, head to www.deaconessministries.org.au/restoring-sanctuary.
