Catholic Outlook Magazine Autumn 2021

Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention
February 2021
Today, there continue to be women who
suffer violence. Psychological violence, verbal
violence, physical violence, sexual violence.
It’s shocking how many women are beaten,
insulted, and raped.
The various forms of ill-treatment that many women suffer are acts
of cowardice and a degradation of all humanity. Of men and of all
humanity.
The testimonies of the victims who dare to break their silence are a
cry for help that we cannot ignore.
We must not look the other way.
Let us pray for women who are victims of violence, that they may
be protected by society and have their sufferings considered and
heeded by all.
Pope Francis Image: Shutterstock.
culture was that it was not the ‘done
thing’ to leave your husband.”
Feeling alone, she sought the help of
her parish priest. “I had to keep my
faith strong,” she says.
After living through such a difficult
time, Tanya shares her story in the
hope it will help others.
“It is important for me to tell my
story so others can know that no
one should be hurt, bullied, made to
feel anxious or ashamed,” she says.
“I didn’t deserve to be punched,
pushed, kicked or violently yelled at.
No one does.”
The Iris app can be downloaded for
free on the App Store or Google Play.
You can read more about it and how
to seek help at safeguarding.org.au.
The Diocese of Parramatta also has
plans to develop a similar app for
Catholic men in the future.
Tracy McLeod Howe is the Head
of Safeguarding in the Office of
Safeguarding in the Diocese of
Parramatta. If you have any concerns
regarding safeguarding in the Diocese
go to safeguarding.org.au.
Maybe you feel
controlled, and
sometimes you
may have been
hurt, you can
record this on
the Iris app.
29