Episode Transcript
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Hi, my name is Thilini,
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and I am a Service Delivery Coordinator
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at Centacare Family and Relationship Services
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on the Gold Coast.
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The month of May is
Domestic and Family Violence Awareness month,
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with a reminder
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to deepen our understanding
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of this complex issue,
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to challenge societal attitudes
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that contribute to it,
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and to promote ongoing attention,
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prevention efforts,
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and a commitment from all levels of society
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to create lasting change.
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I invite you to pray with us today,
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focusing on hope, healing,
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and the collective responsibility
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we share in creating safer homes and communities.
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Let’s begin.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
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Amen.
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Compassionate God,
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we come before You,
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mindful of the pain and fear
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experienced by victim-survivors
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of domestic and family violence.
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We pray for Your healing touch
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upon their physical,
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emotional, and spiritual wounds.
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Grant them strength to rebuild their lives
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and hope for a future free from fear.
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Surround them with Your love
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and guide them towards safety,
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justice, and lasting peace.
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We pray especially for those who feel trapped and alone.
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Grant them a sense of Your unwavering presence
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and guide them towards safety and support.
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Merciful God,
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we hold in our prayers the children
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who have witnessed or experienced violence,
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praying for their innocence to be protected
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and for healing from the trauma they endure.
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Surround them with loving care
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and restore their sense of security.
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May they know they are loved.
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We also pray for the perpetrators of violence,
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that they may recognise the harm they inflict,
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take accountability for their actions,
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and seek transformation and healing for themselves.
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Gracious Lord,
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inspire within our communities
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a deep commitment to prevention.
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Help us to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours
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that contribute to violence.
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Empower us to educate and raise awareness,
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fostering relationships
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built on respect, empathy, and equality.
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We pray for those dedicated
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to providing support and resources;
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the frontline workers including counsellors,
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advocates, the shelters, and the police officers,
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the legal aid providers, the magistrates,
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and all who play a crucial role
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in responding to
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and preventing domestic and family violence.
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Strengthen their wisdom, collaboration, understanding,
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and grant them the resources they need
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to effectively support those in crisis
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and work towards systemic change where needed.
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May Your Holy Spirit move within us all,
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prompting us to act with courage,
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compassion, empathy,
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and a steadfast determination
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to end domestic and family violence.
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May Your love and justice prevail,
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bringing hope and healing to all affected
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by domestic and family violence.
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May eternal rest be granted to those
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whose lives were stolen by the hands
of domestic and family violence
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and may your healing hands
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hold the hearts of their loved ones
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bringing them strength.
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Amen.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
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Thank you for joining in this prayer.
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May we each be moved to contribute
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to a world where all families can live
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in safety and peace.
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We hope to see you soon.
