Read about the City of Casey Churches Project.

This project was conducted jointly by a suburban city council, the local community health centre, and the pastor's network in that area.

The churches obtained secular DV training for key leaders and developed policies, then ran a four week program on domestic abuse across each church. This involved weekly sermons and small group studies tailored to suit to the age and sex of participants. Everyone was involved. They also adapted the program to the ethnic backgrounds found in each church's particular demographic.

The project reached about 4,500 people, 16 faith communities and 300 leaders. It resulted in 84 disclosures by victims and 30 perpetrators came forward.

It also led to the formation of a recovery group for Christian victim/survivors which adapted a program from the secular health service, giving it a Christian component. Counsellors from Relationships Australia, a secular counselling service, are now working to provide a Men's Behaviour Change Program which is culturally responsive to Christian men.

This project took place in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

The legal advice contained in the package applies to Victoria Australia at the time the project was delivered. Other jurisdictions may have different legislation for domestic abuse. Consult your local domestic abuse/legal services to find out what applies in your own state and country.

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