Catholic Outlook Magazine | Advent | Summer 2022 Issue

When Christmas is a time of fear
STORY DEBRA VERMEER
Christmas is one of the most joyful times
of the year for Christians, but for a growing
number of mostly women and children living
in fear of domestic violence, it can also be a
dangerous flashpoint.
Tracy McLeod-Howe, Head of Safeguarding in the
Diocese of Parramatta, who has previously worked
as CEO of Domestic Violence NSW and run women’s
refuges, says Christmas is a time when underlying
tensions can often spill over into violence.
“In the women’s refuge setting, Christmas is sadly
the busiest time,” she says.
“Alcohol will unleash existing behaviours, as well as
the pressures of family members being together and
the high expectations that come with the narrative
that everything should be perfect at Christmas.”
While Christmas can be a particularly dangerous
time, the 2022 Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social
Justice Statement entitled Respect: Confronting
Violence and Abuse, calls on the faith community to
be alert to the issue of domestic violence at all times,
and to listen and act, where necessary.
“The teaching of Christ urges us to promote
relationships marked by respect and freedom rather
than coercion and control,” says ACBC President,
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.
“The virtue of solidarity challenges us to support
those who are seeking justice in the face of such
widespread violence.
“The message of the Gospel is not a message
of domination of one person over another but a
message of mutual esteem and kindness.”
Ms McLeod-Howe says the bishops’ statement,
issued for Social Justice Sunday, was strong and
timely, given the prevalence of domestic and family
violence in the community.
28