Violence doesn’t always look like what we see in movies or crime shows. It doesn’t only happen in alleyways or bad neighbourhoods. Sometimes it happens in homes, in schools or even at church. And sometimes it happens to people we know and love.
That’s what the enditnow movement is about. It’s a global push—started by the Seventh-day Adventist Church—to say enough is enough. Abuse in any form? Not okay. Silence? Not an option. We’re done pretending it’s not our problem. If something’s wrong, we talk about it. If someone needs help, we show up.
What actually counts as violence?
When you hear the word violence, your first thought might be physical harm. But violence can be more subtle than that—and just as damaging. Emotional abuse, manipulation, isolation, constant control, even threats—these all count. Some wounds are visible; others are hidden, but just as real.
In Australia, the numbers are hard to ignore:
- 1 in 6 women has experienced physical or sexual violence by a partner.
- On average, one woman is killed every nine days by someone she used to trust.
- Kids often witness abuse—or are caught in the middle of it.
- People with disability and Indigenous Australians face even higher risks.
Behind every number is a face. A story. A life.
So why speak up?
Silence won’t make it stop.
Many living with abuse feel alone. They’re scared, unsure who to trust or afraid no-one will believe them. That’s where you come in. Listening without judging or brushing it off could make a bigger difference than you think, and getting help can change or save a life.
This isn’t someone else’s issue. Violence doesn’t discriminate. Building a culture against violence means building a safer future for everyone—including you.
Here’s how you can get involved this August
In August, enditnow invites churches across Australia to take a stand. Not just in words, but in action.
- Pack a Survival Go Bag: Help someone starting over by donating a bag with essentials for someone leaving a violent home. Drop it off at your local enditnow rally*.
- Tune in to the Online Summit: On August 22, hear from speaker Paul Bogacs, a relationship counsellor and educator who’s passionate about healing, hope and real change.
- Get all the info here.
Bottom line?
Being anti-violence isn’t a trend. It’s a choice we make every day—in how we talk, how we act and how we show up for people who need us. It’s not a one-time post or a feel-good moment. It’s how we treat people and whether we step up when it counts.
We can’t just say we care. We have to live like we care.
Be the friend who checks in. Be the voice that speaks out. Be the safe space someone needs.
Let’s be the generation that ends it now.
*enditnow rallies are being held in Sydney and Melbourne on Sabbath afternoon, August 23. In Melbourne the rally will be held at Burwood Community Church, cnr Huntingdale and Highbury Roads, Burwood, from 2:30pm. Sydney’s rally will be held at Mountain View Adventist College, 41 Doonside Rd, Doonside, from 4pm. Everyone is welcome.
