HEART Faith and Family Violence Learning Session
On Wednesday 12 August 2026, an important kōrero was held at St Mary’s Church in Glen Innes, which focused on the topic of faith and its intersection with family violence.
It was run on behalf of the HEART Movement by Priscilla Bilby, a Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Family Violence Intervention Team at Te Toka Tumai/Auckland & Starship. Through her clinical work, additional study, attendance at conferences exploring this topic, and her experience as a former Senior Co-Pastor of a local community church in Glen Innes, Priscilla has developed a strong interest in understanding how family violence intersects with faith and church communities.
What people took from it:
The seminar was enthusiastically received by a committed group of practitioners, community and faith leaders. Representatives from at least six different churches in or near the Tāmaki community came together to reflect on the unique issues that can arise when violence is perpetrated within faith and spiritual settings, and how we can collectively respond to and prevent violence within our communities.
The session also provided plenty of practical tips and advice on how faith communities can create safe environments and spaces where persons experiencing violence can receive the help, support and care they need.
St Mary’s Minister Joel opened and closed the session beautifully, helping to create a safe and welcoming space for the discussion. Priscilla particularly appreciated the number of men who attended and actively participated in the kōrero: “One thing that really impressed me, given the topic I was bringing up, was how many men were in the group! That really made my heart happy, because we know that, in this field, it is often heavily supported by women.”
Trish Walker, social worker and lay minister at St Mary’s coordinated a truly exceptional lunch that was enjoyed by all after the session.
A huge ngā mihi nui to all who attended and to the wonderful hosting team in the kitchen who helped make the session such a comfortable, welcoming and thoughtful space.
Why this matters to HEART:
Conversations like this reflect the HEART Movement’s commitment to supporting healthier, safer relationships and communities. Bringing people together across health, community and faith settings creates opportunities to build understanding, share knowledge and strengthen collective responses to family violence.
The combination of deep kōrero, practical learning and kai made for a truly valuable gathering and we’re sure there will be plenty more conversations, connections and food (for thought) to come!
