As part of our commitment to the equality and safety of all people, the Uniting Church joins people around the world in marking 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The global UN Women-led campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Gender-based violence is one of Australia’s most significant social challenges. On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner and 1 in 4 women has experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse by a partner since the age of 15 (Our Watch).

As the Uniting Church we affirm that gender-based violence is against the will of God. We are committed to advocating for a Church and world where all may flourish in equality, safety and respect.

With this year’s theme for the 16 days, UNITE! Invest to end violence against women and girls, we encourage you to consider how your community can invest in the learning, sharing and awareness which equips us to work for a world without violence.

Throughout the 16 Days, the Assembly will share a series of short prayers written by Uniting Church President Rev Sharon Hollis on our social media. You can follow them on our Facebook stories, Instagram or X, or download them below to share directly on your own social media.

Other resources:

• Beyond Violence: The Assembly's key resource on domestic and family violence includes key information, statistics and toolkits, resources for worship and prayer.
• Break the Silence: The Pacific Conference of Churches (PCC) has offered resources for the global community as part of this call to break the culture of silence and shame around violence against women in the church. The resource pack includes a liturgy, daily devotional and video stories from member churches. 
• UCA President and Moderators statement: Watch this video from the President of the Uniting Church and Moderators of all six Synods who united to share a national message for the 16 Days of Activism in 2022.