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)
Our mission as a Church is to proclaim the Good News, which includes the reign of God’s peace, justice and reconciliation, as a family of families. 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.
The booklet "A Catholic Response to Domestic Violence" and other resources provide practical information to help better educate, and equip those affected by domestic violence on how to respond.