This ecumenical service offered an opportunity to remember and mourn those who have been killed as a result of domestic violence, to stand in solidarity with victim survivors and to reflect and commit ourselves to addressing the causes of violence in our communities. 

The service was held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at St Alipius Church, Ballarat East at 5.00pm.  December 10 was the UN Human Rights Day, concluding the 16 days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women). This ecumenical service named the dimensions and dynamics of the serious problem of violence in our society.  We named the God present in and through all our efforts to create lives free from violence. We sought to hold the light for those who are in dark places and for those whose lives are emerging from darkness. 

Fr Justin Driscoll, Parish Priest of the Ballarat East, Gordon and Bungaree Parishes welcomed all to the service.  There were representatives from the Ballarat Central Uniting Church, St Paul’s Church Bakery Hill, Ballarat Central Uniting Church, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Buninyong Uniting Church, taking part in the liturgy.

Emily Clarke, Principal of St Alipius Parish School began, highlighting the reality of family and domestic violence and the enormous toll on all our communities. Highlighting that the number of domestic violence cases represents a real person.  A person who had hopes and plans, talents and skills, memories and knowledge and, importantly, was a person who loved and was loved with family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. 

The Call to Worship was lead by Rev Lauleti Tu’inauvai, the Introduction by Sr Elisa Helen CSC, Naming those who have died by Mary Hollick and Geoff Le Marshal.  A Reading from the Psalms was proclaimed by Rev Michael O’Brien with a Response to the Pain and Litany of Remembrance lead by Rev Marcia Eveland.

Jocelyn Bignold, CEO of McAuley Community Services for Women was the guest speaker.   

‘Holding the light’ was guided by Fr Justin, where each member  of the congregation invited to come forward to light a candle, a symbol of hope.  Rev Lauleti Tu’inauvai offered the closing prayers with Bishop Paul Bird giving the final blessing.  All members of the community were invited to gather for this service.