By Kati Dijane- The Justice and Peace Department of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg officially launched its campaign on the prevention of domestic violence, abuse and femicide at St Paul Catholic Church in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, on April 19.
The initiative, which will run across the Far East Rand and Near East Rand deaneries for the next four weeks, signals a renewed commitment by the Church to confront one of South Africa’s most pressing social crises.
The launch was hosted at the parish of the department’s chaplain in the Far East Rand Deanery, Father Michael Bennette SPS, underscoring the role of local leadership in driving meaningful change. With banners held by children, visible signs of advocacy, and a congregation attentive to both prayer and dialogue, the day blended liturgy with activism.
A homily that confronts violence
In a deeply reflective and challenging homily, Father Bennette situated the campaign within both a global and local context of violence. Referencing the peace-centred message of Pope Leo XIV during his recent visit to Africa, he drew parallels between global conflicts and the violence experienced in homes and communities.
“Much nearer home is another kind of violence,” he emphasised, shifting the focus from international wars to domestic abuse and femicide in South Africa.
He highlighted the alarming reality that South Africa’s femicide rate is five times the global average, describing this as a national crisis that demands urgent attention. Drawing on insights from the bishops, he reminded the congregation that gender-based violence has been identified as one of the most serious public health, social and human rights issues facing the country.
At the heart of his message was a call to break the silence. Father Bennette acknowledged that the Church itself has, at times, contributed to the persistence of abuse through “denial, silence, resistance and lack of preparation.” He urged parishioners to reject this silence and to respond actively when confronted with abuse.
“God says no to the violence inflicted by men on women and children,” he declared, reinforcing the sacred dignity of every human person and the moral responsibility to protect it.
Linking the message to the Gospel of the day from Luke 24:13-35, which highlighted the journey to Emmaus, he reflected on how the early disciples encountered Christ through the Word and the breaking of bread. In the same way, he suggested, the faithful are called to recognise Christ in the suffering of others and to respond with compassion and action.
From silence to dialogue
Speaking further in an interview after Mass, Father Bennett emphasised the need for awareness, education and intervention.
He stressed that when signs of abuse are recognised, action must follow. Whether through trusted individuals, parish groups or broader structures such as Justice and Peace, the response must be intentional and sustained.
He outlined a pastoral approach that includes understanding the lived experience of victims, conducting social analysis, reflecting through the lens of the Gospel and taking concrete action, followed by ongoing evaluation. This “pastoral cycle” offers a structured way for Church communities to respond effectively.
The conversation also extended to perpetrators, acknowledging that while accountability is essential, there must also be pathways for healing and transformation. Father Bennette emphasised that many perpetrators carry deep emotional wounds and require both psychological support and spiritual healing.
Above all, the message was clear: silence is no longer an option. The Church must speak, act and accompany.
A campaign rooted in action
Delivering the official message of the Justice and Peace Department, Ntlantla Madinane expressed both urgency and hope as the campaign was launched.
“We are very excited,” he said, noting that the initiative marks the beginning of a focused, month-long effort to address domestic abuse, violence and femicide within Church communities.
The campaign will run until 17 May and includes coordinated efforts across parishes, such as dedicated prayers during Mass, community engagements and workshops aimed at different groups, including youth, men and women.
Madinane emphasised that the Church must lead by example: “Let us begin in the Catholic family. We cannot expect the community to do anything if we are not leading.”
A key focus of the campaign is listening to and supporting victims. He called on communities to believe survivors, act decisively and provide the necessary support structures. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of addressing root causes such as inequality, unemployment and mental health challenges, which often contribute to cycles of violence.
The campaign also promotes practical interventions, including basic counselling services and mediation processes, referred to as “peace cycles”, to prevent conflicts before they escalate.
Importantly, Madinane reframed the language often used in these discussions. While society commonly speaks of “fighting gender-based violence,” the Church, he explained, focuses on “preventing domestic abuse,” emphasising awareness, formation and transformation.
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