Anglican Diocese of Melbourne PVAW Program
The Prevention of Violence against Women Program at the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne offers a specialised one-day training for all clergy and key lay leaders, to build their capacity to identify and respond to violence.
In addition, the Program offers a range of events for clergy, parishioners and others working to prevent violence against women in faith settings, as well as regular tours of local Orange Door Services.
Have a look at our upcoming events below to find out more and register.
Express Create Connect – Transformative Therapeutic Artworks
Thursday 15 October 2026
EXPRESS. CREATE. CONNECT.
Six free transformative therapeutic art workshops exploring identity, safety, connection and hope through art and self-expression.
WEEKLY WORKSHOP THEMES
Week 1: I Belong
Explore identity, culture, belonging, connection and personal strengths.
Week 2: What Is Expected of Me
Creatively explore expectations, gender roles, identity and breaking stereotypes.
Week 3: I Deserve Safety and Respect
Explore safety, respect, personal boundaries, trusted relationships and sources of support.
Week 4: I Can Make a Difference
Explore agency, choice, courage and safe ways to respond to disrespect, exclusion or harmful behaviour.
Week 5: We Can Grow Something Different
Celebrate hope, community strengths, supportive relationships and collective healing.
Week 6: Our Voice Matters
Bring together voice, story, choice, creativity and hope through a final creative reflection.
ATTENDANCE AND CERTIFICATES
Participants are encouraged to attend all six workshops to experience the complete creative journey.
A certificate of completion will be provided to participants who attend all six workshops.
Participants may also attend individual workshops by selecting their preferred sessions during registration.
A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE SPACE
The workshops provide a safe and supportive space to share, create and connect. Sharing is optional, and participants will not be required to disclose personal experiences. Everyone may choose how they participate and what they share.
COST AND INCLUSIONS
Participation is free. All art materials and delicious lunch will be provided at every workshop.
FACILITATORS
Jaya Narayan, ATHR, and Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE).
PROJECT PARTNERS
Express. Create. Connect. is a collaborative initiative for the 16 Days of Activism by the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne Preventing Violence Against Women Program, Holy Trinity Anglican Church and Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE).
Holy Trinity Anglican Church
Iranian/Farsi Family Violence Prevention Training
Saturday 17 October 2026
The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne’s Preventing Violence Against Women (PVAW) Program invites members of the Iranian/Farsi-speaking Anglican community to a training session focused on safe and thriving families.
The session will explore family wellbeing, healthy and respectful relationships, and the prevention of violence against women, with consideration of the experiences and context of the Iranian/Farsi-speaking faith community.
Participants will have opportunities for discussion, reflection and shared learning in a supportive and culturally responsive environment.
This is a free community training session, and afternoon refreshments will be provided.
St Paul’s Cathedral – Barbara Darling Room
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Aug 26
Saturday 15 August 2026
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
St A's Merri-bek Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-JUN 26
Saturday 13 June 2026
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
St Mark's Anglican Church, Dromana
Art as Healing: Voices against Violence Exhibition Reception
Thursday 4 June 2026
The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne Preventing Violence against Women Program invites you to an evening at St Paul's Cathedral, showcasing the exhibition Art as Healing: Voices against Violence.
This event will be an evening of light nibbles and drinks, as guests enjoy the exhibition and hear from speakers on the topic of family violence, and what we as the Anglican community can do to prevent it. Speakers will include Helen Bolton, CEO of Respect Victoria, Reverend Ali McGrice, and survivor advocate Louise Juracich. Guests will also hear more about the Preventing Violence against Women Program at the Anglican Diocese, and how you can support our work.
The Art as healing: Christian Voices against Violence exhibition runs from May to June in the Transept Gallery, and is presented by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program in partnership with Holstep Health’s Living Well Family Violence group and St Margaret’s Church in Eltham.
The artists have diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Each artist has been impacted by family violence, and many are survivors. Through their art, they explore themes of transformation, rebirth, and healing, sharing a powerful message of hope: that despite the trauma of violence, the resilience, strength, and faith of women and children will prevail.
St Paul's Cathedral
Tour at The Orange Door at Epping June 2nd (CANCELLED)
Tuesday 2 June 2026
Preventing Violence Against Women program has been established to support and equip the leaders and church communities of our Diocese to work towards a future in which women and girls can live free from violence and free from the fear of violence. One of the approaches of the program is connecting churches with specialist and local service providers.
The Orange Door (TOD) is one major local service provider. TOD is an easily accessible point for women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence. It is also the entry point into family services, for families who need assistance with the care and well-being of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
As part of the PVAW program, we have organised a tour of The Orange Door service providers at Epping. During the tour, you will gain an understanding of the services and an opportunity to connect with a service provider.
The Orange Door Epping
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-May 26 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 23 May 2026
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
St Mark's Anglican Church, Dromana
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Mar 26 (CANCELLED)
Monday 30 March 2026
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Williamstown
A Faithful Approach to Preventing Violence against Women
Wednesday 4 March 2026
The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne invites you to our upcoming event, A Faithful Response to Preventing Violence against Women.
This will be an opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day, and share learnings from our ongoing PVAW work in our faith community.
This event, hosted by Bishop Genieve Blackwell, will be an opportunity to share the latest findings from the evaluation conducted by Melbourne University of the Anglican Diocese PVAW program, and explore how these learnings can contribute to the evidence base for prevention work in faith and non-faith settings alike. We will hear from participants on how they have engaged with and been impacted by the Program, and discuss the future directions of the Diocese’ PVAW work.
Speakers:
Archbishop Ric Thorpe
Professor Cathy Vaughan and Jess Kirwan from the University of Melbourne
Kerryn Lewis, PVAW Program Manager
The event will feature a small art exhibition by Christian artists impacted by family violence, and following the presentation we will be hosting a light networking lunch for all attendees.
We hope to see you there!
St Jude's Church
Tour at The Orange Door at Broadmeadows Feb 20th
Friday 20 February 2026
Preventing Violence Against Women program has been established to support and equip the leaders and church communities of our Diocese to work towards a future in which women and girls can live free from violence and free from the fear of violence. One of the approaches of the program is connecting churches with specialist and local service providers.
The Orange Door (TOD) is one major local service provider. TOD is an easily accessible point for women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence. It is also the entry point into family services, for families who need assistance with the care and well-being of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
As part of the PVAW program, we have organised a tour of The Orange Door service providers at Broadmeadows. During the tour, you will gain an understanding of the services and an opportunity to connect with a service provider.
The Orange Door Broadmeadows
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Oct25 (CANCELLED)
Tuesday 10 February 2026
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St Philip's Anglican Church
Tour at The Orange Door at Bentleigh Dec 9th
Tuesday 9 December 2025
Preventing Violence Against Women program has been established to support and equip the leaders and church communities of our Diocese to work towards a future in which women and girls can live free from violence and free from the fear of violence. One of the approaches of the program is connecting churches with specialist and local service providers.
The Orange Door (TOD) is one major local service provider. TOD is an easily accessible point for women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence. It is also the entry point into family services, for families who need assistance with the care and well-being of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
As part of the PVAW program, we have organised a tour of The Orange Door service providers at Bentleigh. During the tour, you will gain an understanding of the services and an opportunity to connect with a service provider.
The Orange Door Bentleigh
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Oct25 (CANCELLED)
Monday 27 October 2025
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St Philip's Anglican Church
Tour at The Orange Door at Geelong Oct 21st
Tuesday 21 October 2025
Preventing Violence Against Women program has been established to support and equip the leaders and church communities of our Diocese to work towards a future in which women and girls can live free from violence and free from the fear of violence. One of the approaches of the program is connecting churches with specialist and local service providers.
The Orange Door (TOD) is one major local service provider. TOD is an easily accessible point for women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence. It is also the entry point into family services, for families who need assistance with the care and well-being of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
As part of the PVAW program, we have organised a tour of The Orange Door service providers at Geelong. During the tour, you will gain an understanding of the services and an opportunity to connect with a service provider.
The Orange Door Geelong
Bystander Action Training
Saturday 6 September 2025
Most of us want to stop violence against women. A deep shift is needed to address the culture underpinning men’s violence against women, and prevent it from occurring. However, culture change can seem big and overwhelming. Where do we begin? What will it take?
What if I told you that by taking small, courageous actions in our daily life, we can create a significant cultural shift?
St Thomas Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Jul25
Saturday 26 July 2025
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
All Saints Anglican Parish of Newtown/Geelong West
Celebratory Session- Safe and Thriving CALD Anglican Project
Thursday 26 June 2025
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Melbourne Anglican Centre , David Penman Room
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Jun25
Saturday 14 June 2025
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Hampton Park
Prevention Work in Multicultural and Faith-Based Communities
Friday 7 March 2025
An International Women's Day Event
St Philip's Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Feb25
Monday 24 February 2025
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
St Faith's Anglican Church , Burwood/Glen Iris
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training Oct24 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 19 October 2024
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
St Faith’s Anglican Church Burwood/Glen Iris
Introduction to Family Violence
Saturday 7 September 2024
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
Christ Church Dingley
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Aug24 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 10 August 2024
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
Saint George's Anglican Church
Tour at The Orange Door
Thursday 8 August 2024
Preventing Violence Against Women program has been established to support and equip the leaders and church communities of our Diocese to work towards a future in which women and girls can live free from violence and free from the fear of violence. One of the approaches of the program is connecting churches with specialist and local service providers.
The Orange Door (TOD) is one major local service provider. TOD is an easily accessible point for women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence. It is also the entry point into family services, for families who need assistance with the care and well-being of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
As part of the PVAW program, we have organised a tour of The Orange Door service providers at Heidelberg. During the tour, you will gain an understanding of the services and an opportunity to connect with a service provider.
The Orange Door Heidelberg
Violence Against Women Response &Prevention Training-Aug24
Saturday 3 August 2024
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
All Saints Anglican Church
Introduction to Family Violence
Monday 29 July 2024
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH, HASTINGS
Violence Against Women Response &Prevention Training-June'24 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 8 June 2024
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
David Penman Room - The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne Office
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-May24
Saturday 4 May 2024
The hope is that the church can nominate a leader from those who attend the training that can then take on the role of Family Safety Champion in their church.
St. Martin's Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Apr24
Saturday 20 April 2024
The Family Safety Champion is a vital role, which involves working with clergy to make their church a safer space, raising awareness in the church about family violence and violence against women, and acting as a contact person for people in the parish to speak to if they are experiencing family violence or have concerns related to family violence.
St. Michael's Anglican Church
Faith Communities and Preventing Violence Against Women
Friday 8 March 2024
A Round Table
St Michael's North Carlton
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Feb24
Saturday 10 February 2024
The Family Safety Champion is a vital role, which involves working with clergy to make their church a safer space, raising awareness in the church about family violence and violence against women, and acting as a contact person for people in the parish to speak to if they are experiencing family violence or have concerns related to family violence.
St Peter's Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Jan24
Tuesday 23 January 2024
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Glen Waverley Anglican Church
Tour at The Orange Door
Thursday 7 December 2023
Preventing Violence Against Women program has been established to support and equip the leaders and church communities of our Diocese to work towards a future in which women and girls can live free from violence and free from the fear of violence. One of the approaches of the program is connecting churches with specialist and local service providers.
The Orange Door (TOD) is one major local service provider. TOD is an easily accessible point for women, children, and young people who are experiencing family violence. It is also the entry point into family services, for families who need assistance with the care and well-being of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
As part of the 16 days of Activism, we have organised a tour of the Orange door service providers at Box Hill. During the tour, you will gain an understanding of the services and an opportunity to connect with a service provider.
The Orange Door Box Hill
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training - Oct (CANCELLED)
Saturday 21 October 2023
The Family Safety Champion is a vital role, which involves working with clergy to make their church a safer space, raising awareness in the church about family violence and violence against women, and acting as a contact person for people in the parish to speak to if they are experiencing family violence or have concerns related to family violence.
St. Michael's Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Sep24
Saturday 16 September 2023
The Family Safety Champion is a vital role, which involves working with clergy to make their church a safer space, raising awareness in the church about family violence and violence against women, and acting as a contact person for people in the parish to speak to if they are experiencing family violence or have concerns related to family violence.
St Thomas's Werribee
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Apr24
Saturday 29 April 2023
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
St Paul's Cathedral
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Apr23
Saturday 22 April 2023
Violence Against Women Response training day to equip Clergy, Lay Leaders and Parishioners in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
TIMA Anglican Parish (St Marks Templestowe)
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Feb23
Saturday 18 February 2023
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
St James Anglican Church, Ivanhoe
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-May25
Between Saturday 14 May 2022 and Saturday 4 June 2022
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
The Anglican Centre (David Penman Room)
Family Safety Champion Peer Learning Session
Thursday 18 February 2021
A peer learning session for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne's Family Safety Champions. This will be a time for raising awareness about family violence in your church, as well as a revision of how to recognise the signs of family violence and how to start a conversation with someone if you are concerned.
Zoom
Bystander Action Online Discussion
Monday 7 December 2020
Most of us want to stop violence against women. A deep shift is needed to address the culture underpinning men’s violence against women, and prevent it from occurring. However, culture change can seem big and overwhelming. Where do we begin? What will it take?
What if I told you that by taking small, courageous actions in our daily life, we can create a significant cultural shift?
Zoom
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training- Aug20
Saturday 15 August 2020
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
Family Safety Champion Information Session
Tuesday 21 July 2020
You attended our training day - now what? Have you been wondering what steps you can take in your parish and local community? To create safer parishes in our Diocese, we are encouraging each vicar to appoint a lay person who has attended one of our training days as their Family Safety Champion.
Family Safety Champions play an important role in raising awareness about the issue of family violence, referring people to support services, and promoting a safe and healthy church community.
Zoom
Webinar on COVID-19 and Family Violence
Wednesday 15 April 2020
People experiencing family violence can be exposed to additional risks in times of crisis like COVID-19. Staying at home is not safe for many women in our community, including our churches.
At a time of self-isolation and social distancing, what is the impact of COVID-19 on people experiencing family violence? How can we provide pastoral care at this time? And how can we do this safely for those living with an abusive partner?
Zoom
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Feb20B
Friday 21 February 2020
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
Anglican Parish of Christ Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Feb20A
Tuesday 18 February 2020
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
Glen Waverley Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Feb20
Saturday 8 February 2020
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
Epiphany Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Nov19B
Friday 15 November 2019
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
St John the Divine
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Nov19A
Saturday 9 November 2019
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
St Michael's Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training-Jul25
Saturday 12 October 2019
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
St Thomas' Anglican Church
Violence Against Women Response & Prevention Training Oct19
Saturday 5 October 2019
Violence Against Women Response and Prevention training day to equip clergy and lay leaders in the Diocese of Melbourne, run by the Preventing Violence Against Women Program.
St John's Diamond Creek
