Since 2021 the Kirk has been actively engaged in endeavours to respond to domestic, family, and gender-based violence. Primarily we have done this by raising awareness and offering workshops not only on the what and why of DV, but how to safely and effectively respond when we see or hear something concerning or inappropriate.

The training we offer is based on MATE (Motivating Action Through Empowerment) training developed by Griffith University, through whom we have four accredited trainers. 

We have also organised several larger events and forums, and worked with numerous local groups (such as Mentoring Men, the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network, and Women and Children First) on a number of positive initiatives.

To find out more about our work, or to attend some of our training, please email us.

A little more about how the group came about and our past activities:

In June 2021, the Forest Kirk Uniting church responded to a growing concern about the increasing
prevalence of domestic violence and abuse (DV&A) by the formation of The Forest Kirk Domestic Violence
and Abuse Response Group. As a church member was accredited to present the Griffith University MATE
(Motivating Action Through Empowerment) Active Bystanders for Prevention Domestic Abuse Program it
was decided to present that model to interested members of The Kirk, other church congregations, and
the wider community. Using a participant engagement methodology, the program provides explanations
of DVA, the statistics, probable underlying causes, and possible safe responses to likely scenarios to bring
about cultural change for gender-based violence prevention.

Initially, the seven-member group, including the Minister Rev Liam Miller, undertook a consultation and
planning process with the intention to increase general awareness across the church and the broader
community and to encourage a sense of responsibility for prevention of DVA. Since that time numerous
free 2-3 hour workshops have been conducted at the Kirk, a local community college and a local RSL Club
involving Rotary and PROBUS clubs as well as the wider community. 

In May 2023, after three failed grant applications, a generous grant from a philanthropic organisation
enabled the training and accreditation of 20 new MATE Program Trainers from the Northern Beaches and
Dubbo areas, with the accreditation to use the provided resources within their organisations and
communities. A Northern Beaches DVA Hub was formed by The Kirk to provide support through a
quarterly online meeting to share news, ideas and offers of help. Four Trainers are now available from the
Forest Kirk.

The Kirk offers free 2- or 3-hour workshops both at the Kirk and in other requested venues. A ‘watching
brief’ is maintained to enable the utilisation of up-to-date information. For bookings or to find out more,
please send an email to forestkirkuc[@]gmail.com 
​
Dr Julia Poole Leader the Forest Kirk DVA Response Group

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