Train clergy and laity to prevent violence, say Anglican women

Women from around the Anglican Communion have called for clergy and laity to receive training to "recognise violence and to address it effectively".

In a statement from the Anglican delegation to the UN's Commission of the Status of Women, the international group urged the churches of the Communion to do whatever they could to address violence against women and girls in their communities.

"It is a proven fact that violence against women and girls adversely impacts all of society," the statement said.

"Violence against women and girls is a cause and consequence of gender inequality and gender injustice, compounded by numerous forms of discrimination. The Church worldwide must be part of the solution."

The delegation of Anglican women from 16 countries around the world urged all Churches of the Anglican Communion:

1. to continue and build on the positive work already being undertaken towards the eradication of violence against women and girls

2. where silence and inaction persist, to end it. Speak out and begin the work.

3. to include men and boys as an integral part of seeking solutions to, and eradicating violence against women and girls

4. to implement Anglican Consultative Council Resolutions 15.07 on gender-based and domestic violence1 and 15.10 on the trafficking of persons2

5. to encourage churches at parish level to become places of refuge and safety and participate actively in addressing violence against women and girls

6. to create awareness and provide training for clergy and the laity to recognise violence and to address it effectively.