Faith and Justice: Harnessing Spiritual Conviction to End the Abuse of Women in the Workers' Compensation System

In this blog post, we delve into the poignant use of the hymn "Amazing Grace" in *Shattered - The Docuseries,* where it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of social movements. Written in 1772 by John Newton, a former slave trader who experienced a profound spiritual conversion and became an abolitionist, "Amazing Grace" became an anthem for the abolition movement. This movement was championed by figures like William Wilberforce, who harnessed the power of faith and social activism to bring about the end of the British slave trade.

In *Shattered,* the hymn accompanies the stories of five courageous women fighting systemic abuse in Australia's workers' compensation system. Just as "Amazing Grace" inspired hope and transformation in the fight against slavery, its presence in the documentary underscores the transformative power of collective action and the enduring hope that faith can inspire, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

When we reflect we see that throughout history, faith has often been a catalyst for social change, inspiring movements that seek justice and equality. The fight for women's suffrage, for instance, was deeply intertwined with religious convictions, as many women saw their quest for the right to vote as not just a political struggle, but a moral and spiritual imperative. Today, as we confront the systemic abuse of women injured at work within the workers' compensation system, we can draw lessons from these past movements and harness the power of faith to build a new coalition for change.

In Australia, women injured at work are facing a shocking reality: a workers' compensation system that strips them of their bodily autonomy. Instead of receiving the care they need, these women are subjected to invasive surveillance by insurers, a practice that poses a severe threat to their safety. The claims process itself becomes a source of terror, often pushing these women into homelessness and chronic illness—all because they were injured on the job.

Many of these women are survivors of workplace sexual assault, harassment, and bullying. Yet, the conversation about their plight remains disturbingly absent from public discourse. The system, rooted in outdated practices of colonialism, relies on a business model that harasses and intimidates those who are already vulnerable and in need of medical care.

Alarmingly, workers' compensation in Australia—funded by employer premiums—is so poorly managed that cutting benefits to injured workers has become the go-to solution for governments. This cycle of harm and neglect cannot continue. The system is so dangerous that immediate action is needed, including considering the evacuation of injured workers to the care of their treating GPs, while policymakers work to make the system safe.

The toll is staggering. Thousands of lives are being devastated by this cruel and harmful system. It’s time to bring this hidden crisis into the light and demand the changes that these women so desperately need.

Shattered will be available to faith based communities to screen. it is accompanied by discussion guides to support the screening and ways everyone can practically help. Film makers Kathie Melocco and Ballina Gee are also available to women's groups and conferences to discuss the making of Shattered and how two women travelled around the country to unravel this system of harm.

The Historical Role of Faith in Social Movements

The women's suffrage movement provides a profound example of how faith can influence and drive social change. Women like Lucretia Mott, a Quaker who emerged from the abolitionist movement, viewed suffrage as a matter of divine justice. For them, the fight for voting rights was not only about political power but about fulfilling a higher moral duty. Similarly, Anna Howard Shaw, a physician and minister, led the National American Woman Suffrage Association with a deep conviction that faith and social reform were intertwined. These women and many others saw their activism as an extension of their religious beliefs, a way to live out their faith in the public sphere.

Religious arguments were not limited to the proponents of suffrage. Many opponents also used biblical texts to argue against women's rights, reflecting the divisive role that faith can play in social debates. Despite this, the suffrage movement ultimately succeeded in part because it was able to unify women across different religious backgrounds, from Quakers to Methodists to Catholics, under a common cause.

Building a Faith-Based Movement Against Systemic Abuse

The abuse of women within the workers' compensation system is a grave injustice that cries out for a moral response. Just as religious convictions fueled the suffrage movement, they can also provide the foundation for a movement to protect and support women injured at work. Faith communities can play a crucial role in this effort by framing the issue as not only a legal or economic one but as a matter of divine justice and human dignity.

Many religious traditions emphasize the importance of caring for the vulnerable and oppressed. For example, in Christianity, the teachings of Jesus often focus on helping those who are suffering, advocating for justice, and standing up against systems of oppression. These principles can be powerful motivators for action, encouraging people of faith to take a stand against the mistreatment of women in the workers' compensation system.

Uniting Across Faiths for a Common Cause

One of the strengths of the women's suffrage movement was its ability to bring together women from various religious backgrounds. A similar approach can be taken today by building a coalition that includes people from different faith traditions, all united in their commitment to justice for women injured at work. By focusing on the shared values of compassion, justice, and the protection of the vulnerable, this movement can create a broad-based alliance that transcends religious differences.

Moreover, this coalition can draw inspiration from figures like Frances Willard, who strategically aligned domestic virtue with social change. Willard's work in the temperance movement demonstrated how faith-based activism could draw more women into social movements by appealing to their moral convictions. In the same way, a movement to reform the workers' compensation system can engage religious communities by highlighting the moral imperative to protect and support those who are being wronged.

The Power of Faith in Public Life

While the role of religion in public life is often debated, it is clear that faith can be a powerful force for social change when it is used to promote justice and equality. The suffrage movement teaches us that faith can be both a unifying and a divisive force, depending on how it is wielded. For those seeking to end the abuse of women in the workers' compensation system, the challenge will be to harness the positive, unifying aspects of faith while addressing and overcoming the divisions that may arise.

Conclusion

The systemic abuse of women injured at work within the workers' compensation system is a moral and spiritual crisis that demands a response from people of faith. By drawing on the lessons of the suffrage movement and building a coalition that unites different religious traditions, we can create a powerful force for change. Faith, when aligned with justice, can be a beacon of hope for those who are suffering and a catalyst for the transformation of unjust systems. Just as religious convictions once propelled women to fight for their right to vote, they can now inspire us to fight for the rights and dignity of all women in the workplace.