A lasting impact
“Darkness CANNOT drive out darkness, ONLY light can do that.”
Martin Luther King Jr
What is The Salvation Army?
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.
Vision Statement
Wherever there is hardship or injustice, Salvos will live, love and fight alongside others to transform Australia one life at a time with the love of Jesus.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army is a Christian movement dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus by:
• Caring for people
• Creating faith pathways
• Building healthy communities
• Working for justice
The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders, past, present, and future. We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
Scan here to connect with The Salvation Army services
Founders: William and Catherine Booth
Buckingham
Light in dark times
May is Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Awareness month. Most of us are aware of the horrendous statistics of family and domestic violence in Australia (and globally!). On average, one woman every week is murdered by her current or former partner. Two in five women have experienced violence since the age of 15. And FDV is the leading driver of homelessness for women.
In this edition, we look at a unique and award-winning Salvation Army program – the Alexis model – that is impacting the lives of both victim-survivors and perpetrators. We include a few suggestions on how each of us can help make a difference to this global scourge.
Scan here to subscribe to Salvos Magazine.
Salvation Army World Leaders: General Lyndon and Commissioner Bronwyn
Territorial Leader: Commissioner Miriam Gluyas
Secretary for Communications and Editor-In-Chief: Colonel Rodney Walters
Publications Manager: Cheryl Tinker
Editor: Simone Worthing
Graphic Designer: Ryan Harrison
Enquiry email: publications@salvationarmy.org.au
All other Salvation Army enquiries 13 72 58
Press date: 16 April 2025
Printed and published for The Salvation Army by Commissioner Miriam Gluyas at Focus Print Group, Chester Hill, NSW, Darug Nation lands. Editorial
Ukraine recently observed the sombre anniversary marking three years of war. Our news feature explores how the Salvos there are bringing comfort and encouragement to those of all ages struggling with their mental health.
The world can be a dark place but, as Belinda Davis writes, there is a light in the darkness – Jesus –who is the ultimate source of strength, healing and encouragement.
Simone Worthing Editor
A LASTING IMPACT
Changing the response to family violence
by Lerisse Smith
We’re hearing of live incidents as they happen and providing a fast, targeted response.
The partnership between the Salvos and police is leading to safer outcomes for everyone involved.
As Australia observes Family and Domestic Violence Awareness month, The Salvation Army’s Alexis Family Violence Response Model, based in Melbourne, is driving real change – so much so that it recently earned a Silver Award at the Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
“Winning the award validates the hard work we’ve put into integrating Alexis within Family Violence Investigation Units,” said Lauren Chisholm, Senior Manager of Men’s Services. “It’s for every survivor we’ve
supported and every family we’ve helped keep safe.”
Active partnership
Founded in 2014 as a partnership between The Salvation Army and Victoria Police, the Alexis model aims to reduce family violence while promoting perpetrator accountability. The innovative model embeds specialist practitioners within police stations, allowing for rapid, integrated responses to high-risk cases. Each year, Alexis supports around 160 victim-survivors and 160 perpetrators.
“One unique element is that we’re embedded in the police station,” Lauren
explained. “We’re hearing of live incidents as they happen and providing a fast, targeted response.”
Alexis specifically serves families who often fall outside the scope of traditional services – those experiencing intersecting challenges like substance use, mental illness or disability. These clients are often disengaged from police and other supports.
Alexis’s practitioners work assertively and creatively, engaging people where they are: at home, in hospitals, prisons, or neutral community spaces.
The model has proven highly effective. Research
by RMIT found an 85 per cent reduction in family violence repeat offenders among Alexis’s clients, with 51 per cent recording no further police callouts across Victoria. A key driver of this success is the collaboration with police, which has led to higher referral rates and a more informed workforce.
Safer outcomes
“We provide both practical and emotional support that helps people feel safe and empowered,” Lauren said, noting Alexis’ role in addressing misidentification of primary aggressors.
Perpetrators, who are mostly men, often struggle with complex, interconnected issues like intergenerational trauma, mental health and substance use. Alexis works to hold them accountable while addressing these root causes – which leads to safer outcomes for everyone involved.
“We work to reduce risk to affected family members and children,” Lauren said.
“And we hold perpetrators accountable for their use of violence while addressing what drives it.”
One example involved a serial offender who had been hostile to police. After connecting with Alexis, he voluntarily came to the station to face charges. Such breakthroughs speak to the trust the model fosters – trust that is often missing in traditional interventions.
Support
for all
Each station where Alexis operates houses two practitioners: one supporting victim-survivors (including children), and the other working with those using violence. Engagement typically spans 12 weeks, using a trauma-informed and proactive approach.
When victim-survivors decide to leave abusive relationships, Alexis provides immediate support – emergency housing, transportation, financial aid, and referrals to legal and counselling services. For perpetrators,
the model offers help with urgent needs and connects them with Men’s Referral Services.
Lauren emphasised the importance of early conversations and primary prevention. “Many women take multiple attempts to leave. That first conversation is key – it plants a seed that leads to change.”
Looking ahead, The Salvation Army hopes to expand Alexis nationwide. “We’re proud of our ability to connect with clients who often miss out on critical support,” Lauren said. “By engaging people at their most vulnerable, we can make a real, lasting impact.”
Scan here for access to Salvation Army FDV services.
ALEXIS TEAM help Sarah rebuild trust
Sarah* knows firsthand the impact of family violence.
The victim-survivor also knows how the partnership between the police and the Alexis team helped her build trust in the police and open up about her experience.
“I have repeatedly stated that I would never have been able to trust the police and share my story if it were not for the swift and collaborative intervention by the Family Violence Unit (FVU) and Alexis practitioners,” she said.
Her story began last year when the FVU and the Alexis team conducted a joint assertive outreach response to a local hospital in response to a recent family violence incident at Sarah’s home.
The day prior to the hospital visit, police officers had been called to a scene of significant family violence after Sarah reported a disturbance between herself and her partner of six months, Tim*.
When police arrived on the scene, they found both Sarah and Tim* with visible injuries and signs of severe violence. At this time, police identified Sarah as the primary aggressor due to her heightened presentation and non-compliance with responding officers.
Tim appeared calm and collected, providing a seemingly convincing account of the events. Sarah was
Sarah continues to receive practical and therapeutic support from the Salvos.
arrested and transferred to the local police station for further investigation.
However, shortly after the arrest, the police team realised Sarah had been misidentified and arranged for her to be transported to the hospital for medical care. At this time, the FVU notified the Alexis team of the case, and a joint response was arranged.
While in the hospital, the coordinated and collaborative response between the FVU and Alexis team repaired Sarah’s relationship with the police. She felt comfortable sharing her experience of family violence and provided an initial statement.
Sarah actively engaged in comprehensive safety and risk management planning, while collaborative efforts were also made to locate Tim and execute a full intervention order.
While the investigation is ongoing, Sarah has continued to work with the Alexis team almost daily and was subsequently discharged into Salvation Army emergency accommodation where she has accepted additional practical assistance and ongoing therapeutic supports.
*Not their real names.
For more information, download the Social Justice Stocktake 2025 at salvationarmy.org. au/socialjusticestocktake/qld/
FAMILY VIOLENCE – WE HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A
DIFFERENCE
WE CAN URGE ACTION FROM OUR GOVERNMENTS
When victim-survivors seek help, we need to be able to help them. Governments can work together to ensure there is sufficient funding for crisis supports, and that those supports allow victim-survivors to be physically safe while continuing to be employed, pursue education and be connected.
WE CAN IMPLEMENT CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND WORKPLACES
Education is key. In our community groups and workplaces, we can have safe but challenging conversations to ensure that people are equipped with the tools and resources to understand the nature of family and domestic violence as a pattern of behaviours over time.
We can also create environments where it is safe for employees and members to disclose family violence. This involves not just cultivating a safe culture, but ensuring that leaders and managers have access to information, training and supervision so they can safely and compassionately connect people experiencing family violence to support.
WE CAN HAVE INFLUENCE IN OUR PERSONAL
LIVES
We can challenge our own ideas and language around family violence and question when others use language that minimises or excuses violence within the family or home.
Everyone can call out negative behaviour. It is important to do so in a manner that doesn’t shame the victim, but you can always say “that’s not okay”.
HEALING the mental health scars
Creating safe spaces in war-
torn Ukraine
by Dominika Domanska and Simone Worthing
I have a dream, that children in Ukraine and my city of Kharkiv would not startle and fear when they hear a loud noise and think it’s a projectile or bomb. I dream children could look into the sky and see animal shapes in the clouds – not helicopters, planes or drones. I dream people everywhere could live in peace… Tamara, from Kharkiv Salvos, Ukraine
Three Years of War
Ukrainians recently marked three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on 24 February 2022. The war has displaced more than 10 million people, including half the country’s children. Over 14 million Ukrainians need humanitarian aid (UN, Jan 2025).
The ongoing trauma has led to widespread mental health struggles: depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, insomnia, memory problems, low self-esteem, and difficulty connecting with others.
Safe Spaces and Support
Salvation Army churches in Ukraine are creating safe spaces for mental, physical, social and spiritual support. These programs help prevent isolation and promote healing through community. Activities include Scouts, sports, crafts, cooking, cultural and church events.
These gatherings allow people to share experiences, manage stress, and rebuild a sense of normalcy. Creative expression – art, music, crafts – helps participants process trauma in ways that words cannot, offering calm and healing.
Ukrainian cadet (trainee Salvos pastor) Viktoria Moskalenko shared how women,
All ages participate in art therapy.
Taking the children on excursions help normalise life for them.
Salvation Army teams support local communities across Ukraine.
especially those from war zones or with family on the frontlines, struggle emotionally. Limited resources make support difficult.
In Dnipro, Salvation Army women’s groups offer Bible study, films, crafts, meal-sharing, and prayer. “Because we feel the spirit of our people, we don’t feel as lonely or homesick,” said Yuliia, an art and craft club leader.
Larisa fled a dangerous city with her daughter and now participates in sports and art therapy. Datsyuk left Mariupol and now volunteers and attends Bible studies. These women, and many others, find solace and purpose through community at the Salvos.
UNICEF reports that Ukrainian children have lost years of schooling, friendships and safety. Many now show signs of stress and trauma.
Salvation Army teams support children through afterschool clubs, language classes, youth groups, camps and therapy. One mother noted how her daughter, Sofia, showed great improvement after joining an afterschool program and working with a psychologist.
Scouting is especially popular. “It has a practical, positive effect on recovery,” said Major Konstantin Shvab, who leads the Salvos in Ukraine.
Global Support
Around the world, The Salvation Army continues to help displaced Ukrainians.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, Ukrainian children find healing through afterschool programs. “Playing the drums helps me release tension; it’s like therapy,” said 15-year-old Katja, who fled from Odesa.
In Ramsgate, UK, The Salvation Army offers English classes, youth and senior clubs, emotional and spiritual support, and training programs. These help refugees regain self-esteem, connect with community, and build new lives.
“I felt better when I realised I could still help others, even in my unstable situation,” said Oksana, a volunteer.
Through faith, fellowship and practical help, The Salvation Army is nurturing hope amid ongoing hardship.
“Please don’t forget about Ukraine and those of us serving here to bring God’s love,” the teams emphasise.
the power the f lame
The light that breaks through the darkness
by Major Belinda Davis
Somehow, it seemed to speak of hope and warmth, of love and presence.
of
What is it about the small flickering flame of a candle that can say so much? Put it on top of a cake and it’s a celebration of another year of survival. Placed on a table for dinner and it makes the mood more romantic. In a power blackout it is a source of light that breaks the darkness. At a wedding it is symbolic of a new chapter in a relationship, and in sorrow it is a reminder of a loved one no longer with us.
A few years ago, the community I was a part of was rocked by a number of sudden deaths of young people – some in motor vehicle accidents, some by their own hand. In a close-knit community such as ours, the connection to people affected by such tragedies was inevitable.
Responding to pain
As one of the churches in this area, we recognised that people were in pain, and we wanted to demonstrate our care. Instead of running our usual church service, we opened our space for two hours one afternoon and offered a ‘candlelight service’ for people to come, to reflect, to pray.
There were no formal words spoken, but a booklet was provided with prayers, scripture and poems that people could read. We had a box for prayer requests, some condolence pages, refreshments to share and people willing to be a listening ear. We had quiet music playing and beautiful images on the screen. People could light a candle from a central pillar candle and place it on a table of sand.
The simplicity of this action was readily embraced by almost everyone that chose to attend. Somehow, it seemed to speak of hope and warmth, of love and presence. The flames of those candles were what many chose to watch in the time they spent at the service. For some, the action of lighting a candle is what brought their tears to the surface; for others, this same action brought their tears to an end.
Light of the world
I chose to sit and observe what was happening that afternoon, primarily to be aware of those who needed a little extra care and to ensure things were running well. I was intrigued to witness the power of the flame –mesmerising, comforting, healing and breaking the darkness. Immediately I was drawn to the words of Jesus when he walked this earth. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John chapter 8, verse 12).
I was thinking about the mesmerising, comforting and healing powers of Jesus in my life, and he certainly breaks through the darkness of this world. I am glad to know that by choosing to follow Jesus and his teaching, I can claim the light of life for myself. This thought will now forever be connected to candlelight as I move forward, for which I am grateful.
A home away from home
Ukrainian refugees find hope and safety in Bulgaria
by Serhii
War has a way of changing lives in an instant. One moment, I was running a successful construction business in Ukraine. The next, I was a refugee here in Bulgaria. Faced with immense challenges, my family and I found comfort and hope through The Salvation Army.
[In Ukraine] I had a thriving construction business, a happy home and a beautiful family, but once the bombing began, my business was destroyed. The explosions shattered my children’s sense of safety, and we fled our home, becoming refugees overnight.
We had friends in Bulgaria who offered us a safe place to stay, but when we arrived, we faced countless challenges. Financial struggles and the trauma of what happened weighed heavily on us, and depression settled in.
Serhii is an active member of the Salvos in Bulgaria.
Hope and purpose
A year after arriving in Bulgaria I heard about The Salvation Army. They were providing financial support to displaced people like us. We attended a Christmas event and instantly felt a sense of belonging. The music, the warmth of the community, it lifted our spirits. The worship reignited my faith and gave us hope. Here at the corps (Salvos church) I found a new purpose and meaning in life.
My wife, Darina, and I decided to dedicate our lives to Christ and become members.
Though I’m too old to be
an officer (pastor), I have a strong commitment to serve others. Now, as a refugee support coordinator for The Salvation Army, I oversee the support of 400 Ukrainian refugee families registered with us. Every Sunday, we extend a warm welcome to hundreds of individuals, providing vouchers and essential assistance.
Safe and at home
The Salvation Army in Bulgaria began its ministry during the pandemic. Now our Sunday worship services are vibrant, filled mostly with Ukrainian refugees. I could never
have imagined how swiftly my life would change.
Despite the hardships, God brought my family closer to him through this adversity. Our future remains uncertain. We don’t know when we can return home or how long we’ll stay in Bulgaria. But in God’s house, we feel at home. It has become our family’s favourite place to be.
War has a way of changing lives in an instant.
Serhii now helps other Ukrainian refugees fleeing to safety.
�� Chilli chicken soup
Ingredients
2 chicken breast fillets, 2 cups chicken stock, 1 can chilli beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup corn kernels
Method
Place chicken in a large saucepan. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil over high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked.
Take out chicken to cool slightly and shred. Return chicken to the saucepan with the stock, add beans and tomatoes.
Simmer for 10 minutes until soup just thickens. Stir through corn, cooking a further 3 minutes.
☺ Believe in Good: Tips
15 May – International Day of Families
“Life is beautiful. It’s about giving. It’s about family.” – Walt Disney
Take time to connect with family, compile a family playlist, share in a favourite activity or meal together, share some stories or old photos.
Quiz
1. What colour are emu eggs?
2. Which Australian parrot has a completely red head?
3. What is the world’s largest kingfisher?
4. What colour are black swan cygnets?
5. Which male birds incubate the eggs?
6. What is the smallest bird in the world?
7. What is the fastest flying bird on Earth?
��Who am I?
Born in Albania with the name Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, I lived most of my life as a missionary in India.
I was a teacher for 20 years before forming the Missionaries of Charity, where we ministered to the poor, sick and hungry of Calcutta.
In 1979 I received a Nobel Peace Prize. There have been many books, documentaries and films about my life.
�� Have a laugh
When should you buy a bird?
Why do hummingbirds hum?
Word search – families
Why do owls get invited to parties?
Why did the bird fly into the library?
When it’s going cheep! Because they don’t know the words. Because they’re a hoot. He was looking for bookworms.
What kind of bird works at a construction site?
Tum-Tum
On which page of this week’s Salvos Magazine is Tum-Tum hiding?
Answers
is hiding behind the laptop on page 8.
Words are hidden vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards and backwards. Enjoy!
“The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.”
Psalm 116, verse 5 New International Version
Quiz: 1. Green 2. The male King Parrot 3. Kookaburra 4. Grey 5. Emus 6. Hummingbird 7. Peregrine Falcon. Who am I?: Mother Teresa
