20th September 2026

This morning we connect three apparently unrelated news items from across the globe.

In South Africa nine women have been murdered since July. Their bodies have been found across the Ekurhuleni district, east of Johannesburg, with several showing visible injuries. Women have developed informal safety systems, such as a simple, “Please let me know when you get home” as a survival protocol. The women have been told to be vigilant, but they cannot “vigilance” themselves out of gender-based violence and femicide. 

In England, new data indicates that around 3.3% of women (around 20,000) who make maternity bookings within the State health care system make a disclosure of current or non-recent domestic abuse each year. Gill Walton, the chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said the findings “lay bare” something that midwives already know from their day-to-day practice as they are often the only professional a pregnant woman sees regularly and alone."

Yesterday in Bondi Beach, New South Wales, Australia, a woman in her 90s, a 23-year-old in Wagga Wagga, and a woman in her 70s in Mole River, all died within hours of each other in separate incidents of domestic violence. The NSW opposition leader, Kellie Sloane, said “These deaths are not isolated. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, a woman was killed every 11 days in 2024-25 by her intimate partner. Even more women lose their lives when you include other family members.” She added, “Women of every age, from a 23-year-old to a woman in her 90s, are still not safe in their own homes.”

Loving God, we place into your care all who have been wounded by domestic violence, both physically and emotionally. Grant them the mental, emotional and physical healing they need. Fill their hearts with courage and inner strength to overcome the trauma they have endured and to seek help to find peace and restoration and support. Break the chains that bind women in oppressive domestic situations. Give them the courage to leave harmful relationships and strength to speak out. May authorities take them seriously and investigate each incident. Guide us to ensure all are aware of domestic violence and to ensure that men treat all women with dignity and respect. We ask that justice will prevail in each case of domestic abuse, that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions and face the consequences of their abuse.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

Last week Save the Children hosted an European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) delegation in Binga, Zimbabwe, where it is implementing an integrated nutrition, health and protection programme targeting vulnerable communities. In Zimbabwe, Save the Children is working with Nutrition Action Zimbabwe and government ministries, to take essential health, nutrition and protection services to communities in remote parts of Binga affected by climate shocks. For people living more than 30 km from the nearest clinic, accessing healthcare is a daily barrier. This initiative bridges that gap by supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care to bring essential services nearer to the communities.  Save the Children said the strength of the programme lay in the integration of health, nutrition and protection interventions, allowing communities to access several essential services through the same outreach platforms.  

King of kings and Lord of Lords,

we fall at your feet in worship,

for you are great and mighty, powerful and Holy.

You are the creator of all things;

everything we can see and hear, touch and smell,

and even what our senses cannot recognise.

We thank you for the gift of life,

and for the diversity of life shown to us

in the flora and fauna of the world.

We thank you for the gift of human life and human relationships.  We thank you for sending your son,

born into a human family.

He taught us how to love one another and to love you. 

He knew our fallen nature

but obediently went to the cross

that our sin would be forgiven.

Praise and glory be to you heavenly Father.

We thank you that you raised him to new life

and that he now sits at your right hand to intercede for us.

We praise you for sending the Holy Spirit

to live within your faithful people,

guiding, admonishing and equipping us for service

in your Kingdom.

We thank you for the opportunities you give us

to proclaim the Gospel of salvation

and to be channels of your love.

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Amen.