By Joni BoydWednesday 24 Apr 2024Hope AfternoonsPodcastsReading Time: 4 minutes
Warning: The following article contains mentions of domestic violence. If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. If you have been impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Peninsula Lighthouse on the Central Coast support anyone – men, women and children – who are in, or leaving, a domestic violence situation.
Key points
- Approximately 6,000 men have been victims of domestic violence in NSW.
- “God can change peoples’ hearts to see things in a different way,” Natasha said of their approach.
- “It’s very challenging for men to get the support that they need, or even be believed in their story,” Natasha said.
It’s a special place, built around the belief that by sharing God’s love, and teaching people how to live from that place, families can be made whole.
Founded by two people with firsthand, lived domestic violence experience, Peninsula Lighthouse is committed to filling the support gaps not covered by other organisations with a goal to build, not destroy families.
“We know statistically that women are the highest numbers of suffers of domestic violence, but we also understand that it effects males in the community,” Natasha Kelley from Peninsula Lighthouse told Hope Mornings’ Ben McEachen.
Approximately 6,000 men have been victims of domestic violence in NSW.
“Statistics that have come out recently [show] that there are about 6,000 men that have been victims of domestic violence in NSW – that’s pretty shocking!”
Peninsula Lighthouse’s goal is “not to divide the family but to keep the family together, so we work with couples in terms of trying to resolve conflict without resorting to violence.”
What difference does God’s love make?
One of the many ways they do this, is by teaching people about God’s love.
“God can change peoples’ hearts to see things in a different way,” Natasha said and explains that they’ve seen God restore relationships. Yes, relationships between people – but also with Himself – through their work and the devastating difficulties of domestic violence, to the point where people begin seeking Him first, “It’s just amazing to watch.”
“It’s about teaching people that selfless love that God has for us,” she said.
“God can change peoples’ hearts to see things in a different way,” Natasha said of their approach.
“[We’re] trying to teach people about God’s love, but then for those that have made the decision to leave the relationship, to [also] give them a sense of hope.
“We’re not ashamed in telling people that we’re faith based.”
Christian faith is the organisation’s pillar, but Peninsula Lighthouse’s services are available to everyone, irrespective of their belief system.
Supporting male victims
“It’s really hard to get wrap around services for men,” Natasha said.
“It can be challenging, particularly for men, to come to that place of ‘This relationship hasn’t worked.’
“‘What do I change in myself – or what do I change in the person that I need to be with or who God wants me to be with?’
“It’s very challenging for men to get the support that they need, or even be believed in their story,” Natasha said.
“A lot of the services that exist are predominantly for the support of women and children, not necessarily men.
“I think it’s very challenging for men to get the support that they need, or even be believed in their story, and that’s shifting paradigms for people and understanding that actually sometimes the male can be the victim in the situation.”
What support do you offer?
“Not one is the same, Ben,” Natalie said of the families they work with.
“Every single family dynamic is different.”
Peninsula Lighthouse assesses people as they go, helping them prioritise their needs (accommodation, financial, food, trauma support etc.) and walk the journey alongside them, “to see that they’re living a sustainable, fruitful life.”
While some need six weeks of support, others may need three years – and there is room for it all.
“We’re there for the long haul.”
The organisation also offers ongoing trauma support counselling, family and couple counselling and a 13-week divorce care program.
How did we get here?
With headlines highlighting the fact that 11 more women have died this year due to domestic violence than at this time last year, we know we have a big problem.
“I think our problem in Australia is, we feel that we’ve got everything we need so we don’t need God.
“I think we’ve lost sight of how God would like us to live,” Natasha said.
“So, why should I do what God has asked of me?
“Relationships like all things, seem to be more disposable these days; I can get my fast-food, I can get my iPhone, I can get my car, I can get whatever I want, right now.
“And if you’re not meeting my needs, well I can get a new girlfriend or I can do better.
“I think we’ve lost sight of how God would like us to live.”
Hear the full conversation in the listener above.
If you need help or support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. If you have been impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
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