75th Anniversary Logo of Southern Africa’s Catholic Bishops: A Faith Journey

How a Family-Centered Approach Can Revolutionize Efforts Against Gender-Based Violence

Update The Call for a Family-Centered Approach to Gender-Based Violence In a powerful statement, members of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) have highlighted the pressing need for a family-centered strategy to effectively combat gender-based violence (GBV) in the region. Citing a lack of effective responses to this escalating crisis, the Bishops urged every parish within the SACBC to dedicate a Sunday to reflect on and address this critical issue. Bishop Thulani Victor Mbuyisa, the SACBC Liaison Bishop for Justice and Peace, emphasized that the Church’s silence is unacceptable amidst such a profound societal crisis. The Current State of Gender-Based Violence Interventions The SACBC has openly criticized the prevailing interventions against GBV, suggesting these responses have been insufficient and not adequately focused on family dynamics. They argue that simply enacting more laws and allocating budgets does not address the fundamental issues at hand. As reported, the bishops noted that, despite efforts dating back to South Africa's National Strategic Plan developed in 2000, violent incidents have persisted. “Something deeper, something spiritual, moral, and human, is being left unattended,” the Bishops stated, indicating that violence against women and children often originates in households where love should flourish. The Role of Family as a Foundation of Society Central to the Bishops’ message is the belief that the family serves as the cornerstone of society. Existing efforts to curb violence have failed to integrate this focus adequately. The Bishops pointed out that by neglecting familial contexts, responses to violence against women and children remain incomplete. This aligns with insights from other domestic violence advocacy groups, such as Safe and Equal, which advocate for comprehensive approaches that consider family relationships and the roots of violence within the home. Advocating for Systemic Change: Integrating Family Renewal Strategies To effectively tackle gender-based violence, the SACBC proposes that family renewal be an integral component of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development. This recommendation emphasizes the need to strengthen family structures within national legislation and strategic plans in South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini. By doing so, the Bishops envision a more profound societal transformation that addresses the root causes of violence rather than merely treating its symptoms. The Importance of a Comprehensive Response Reflecting on the findings from comprehensive studies in the field, such as the Family-Centered Toolkit developed by the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health, it becomes clear that a multifaceted approach is crucial. These studies show that an integrated response engaging both survivors and children strengthens parenting and family bonds, thereby diminishing future violence. The call to action echoed by the SACBC urges community leaders not just to implement policies but to truly engage with families, promoting healing and restoration in households affected by violence. Actionable Insights: Moving Towards Effective Solutions To catalyze change, the Bishops encourage parishes and community organizations to foster discussions that involve all family members. By encouraging local initiatives and programs that support families, communities can work collaboratively to shift perceptions and attitudes around gender-based violence. This push for grassroots engagement complements the need for holistic funding and sustainable resources for specialist services, without which the loop of violence is likely to persist. Collective Responsibility in Addressing Family Violence Ending gender-based violence is not merely a task for policymakers but a collective responsibility that must involve all community members. Education and awareness play pivotal roles, and community leaders, educators, and health professionals must be equipped to recognize the signs of abuse and direct survivors towards appropriate resources. “Everyone who works in this space—academics, practitioners, victims, commentators—has valuable insights to share,” the Bishops note. The essence of their call is unity and collective action, working together across sectors and communities to create a society free from violence. Conclusion: An Urgent Need for Comprehensive Family-Centered Interventions The call made by the SACBC signals a necessary shift towards integrating the family philosophy into the strategies aimed at eradicating gender-based violence. In the light of ongoing disparities and violence that continue to plague households in Southern Africa, the essential message is clear: we must go to the roots of the wound, healing families to ultimately heal society. By prioritizing family-centered approaches, we will not only uplift communities but also foster a culture that rejects violence and promotes compassion. In this critical moment, it is time for society, leaders, and communities to act meaningfully towards change. The urgency of the situation demands that everyone engages in conversations and actions that promote healing and renewal within families.