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Gender-Based Violence
If violence has its source in the human heart, then it is fundamental that nonviolence be practised before all else within families… From within families, the joy of love spills out into the world and radiates to the whole of society.[17] An ethics of fraternity and peaceful coexistence between individuals and among peoples cannot be based on the logic of fear, violence and closed-mindedness, but on responsibility, respect and sincere dialogue. ...I plead with equal urgency for an end to domestic violence and to the abuse of women and children.
Pope Francis, Message for World Day of Peace 2017, #5
Touched by God’s mercy and compassion and fired by the inspiration of the Gospel and Catherine McAuley, Sisters of Mercy accompany, advocate, educate and collaborate with others in support of persons who are victims of gender-based violence.
Background
The Catholic Church proclaims that all life is sacred. Catholic Social Teaching states that each and every person has value, is to be respected and must be free from slavery, manipulation and exploitation.
The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."
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