For a Church close to women who are victims of violence and active in prevention

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Card. Kevin Farrell, emphasized the importance of the Church's role in combating and preventing the phenomenon: "The Church has the task of remaining close to women who are victims of violence and exploitation, and such closeness can be expressed in many ways: from providing safe housing for victims of violence, to psychological and spiritual support so as to help the victims themselves to overcome the trauma and report the abuse".

"A key aspect," Cardinal Farrell continued, "is also education towards respect for women, which begins with recognizing the problem within families and Christian communities as well. Educating people about affectivity, love, respect for others and first of all for their own lives, which is so necessary in preventing violence against women, is strongly and deeply rooted in the Gospel".

"Therefore, I urge all the churches around the world to take action to provide families, youth, engaged couples, and communities with educational pathways aimed at preventing violence against women. This is a pastoral responsibility," the Cardinal concluded, "in which the Church's vocation to be an instrument of peace is manifested”.