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INTENTION : |
We pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and heeded.
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INTRODUCTION
The family is where safety, nurture, and the flourishing of individuals and relationships should be the primary experiences. Violence in the context of the family is particularly destructive, and absolutely contrary to a Christian way of life.
Pope Francis once said: "the family is a workshop of hope, of the hope of life and resurrection.... In families there are difficulties, but those difficulties are resolved by love. Hatred does not resolve any difficulty." (Festival of Families, Philadelphia 2015).
Therefore, we are called to stand against anything that destroys families which are our domestic Churches. We are called to be workshops of hope, not workshops for the tolerance of violence.
Love that protects the vulnerable, promotes their flourishing, and sees the inextricable dignity of each member of the family, is the only way we can be workshops of hope and truly proclaim the Good News.
"WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?"
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviour carried out by a family member or other significant relationship (e.g., de-facto partner) that is threatening or harmful to other members of the family or relationship. It involves the use of power and control by one person over another or others, and results in fear, distress and often isolation.
Domestic violence can also result in serious physical injury and even death. It is sometimes called 'intimate Partner Violence'.
"TYPES OF VIOLENCE"
It is not always easy to know when someone is in a relationship where domestic violence is occurring. Domestic violence is mostly a hidden crime that is not talked about, and is a taboo subject in many cultures. Further, people may believe that the only types of domestic violence are physical and sexual violence. Whilst these two types are clearly violence to the body, there are other types of domestic violence which can be harder to detect. They are such things as psychological, spiritual, verbal, and financial abuse, as well as coercive control.
PHYSICAL VIOLENCE
This can include slaps, hits, punches, being pushed down stairs or across a room, choking and burns, denial of adequate food, clothing and shelter, as well as the use of knives, firearms and other weapons.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
This can include rape, unwanted sexual advances or harassment and intimidation, being forced to watch pornography, having sexual intercourse out of fear of what a partner might do, and forced prostitution.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL ABUSE
This can include intimidation, belittling, humiliation, being exposed to or enact violence towards a family member, and the effects of financial, social and other non-physical forms of abuse.
COERCIVE CONTROL
This can include isolating victims from family and friends, controlling access to finances, monitoring their movements, restricting access to information and assistance.
SPIRITUAL AND/OR RELIGIOUS ABUSE
This can include manipulation, censorship of decision making, requirements of secrecy and silence, pressure to conform, misuse of scripture or the pulpit to control behaviour, requirement of obedience to the abuser, and the suggestion that the abuser has a "divine" position.
Diocese of Broken Bay, Australia
Prayer to Mary Undoer of Knots
Holy Mary, full of God's presence during the day of your life, you accepted with full humility the Father's will, and the devil was never capable of tying you up with his confusion.
Once with your Son you interceded for our difficulties, and full of kindness and patience, you gave us example of how to untie the knots in our life. By remaining forever Our Mother, you put in order and make more clear the ties that link us to the Lord.
Holy Mother, Mother of God and our Mother, to you who untie with a motherly heart the knots of our life, we pray to you to receive in your hands (the name of the person), and to free him/her of the knots and confusion with which our enemy attacks. Through your grace, your intercession and your example deliver us from all evil, Our Lady, and untie the knots that prevent us from being united with God, so that we, free from sin and error, may find Him in all things, may have our hearts placed in Him, and may serve Him always in our brothers and sisters. Amen.
by Pope Francis
www.catholicsforfamilypeace.org
Prayer to End Domestic Violence
Loving God,
We thank you for inviting us to end domestic violence
in our community.
We ask for your wisdom, courage, and guidance.
We pray for a society where all people are safe in their homes and close relationships,
where each person is respected, in their equality and dignity.
We pray for all those affected by violence,
that they may find safety and healing.
We pray that all women, men and children will find a place and life free from violence,
and children will be cared for in nurturing, protective and supportive ways.
We pray for young men and women, that they may find models of respectful
relationships and reject the violent and demeaning images of manhood
and womanhood current in our society.
We ask for the courage to confront the causes of domestic violence,
including the prevalence of violence in our society, any abuses of power, and
the unequal positioning of women in the community.
We pray for right and just relations between all people, so that together
we may transform and overcome violence in all its forms.
We long for the time you have promised, when violence is banished,
women and men are open to being loved and loving others, children are protected,
and the work and wealth of our world is justly shared.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Diocese of Broken Bay, Australia
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