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Domestic Violence Comes to Church |
What you can do to help
- Make your church a safe place where abused women and men who batter can come for help.
- Learn as much as you can about domestic violence. Be alert for the signs of abuse among women in the congregation.
- Join in the national observance of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.” Dedicate at least one weekend that month to educate parishioners about abuse and its likely presence in your church.
- Make sure that sermons address domestic violence. If abused women do not hear anything about abuse, they think no one cares. Describe what abuse is so that women begin to recognize and name what is happening to them.
- If you suspect abuse, ask direct questions. Ask the woman if she is being hit or hurt or feels safe at home. Carefully evaluate her response. Some women do not realize they are being abused, or they lie to protect their spouses.
- In talking to an abused person, be careful of your language. Don't say anything that will bolster her belief that it is her fault and that she must change her behavior. The victim is not to blame. The abuser must be accountable for his behavior.
- In marriage-preparation education sessions, check couples' patterns of handling disagreements and their families' problem-solving patterns. Suggest postponing marriage if you identify signs of abuse or potential abuse.
- In baptismal-preparation programs, be alert that the arrival of a child and its attendant stress may trigger violent behavior.
- Keep an updated list of resources for abused women in your area.
- Have an action plan in place to follow if an abused woman calls on you for help. Build a relationship with police and domestic violence agencies. Find a safe place for abused women.
of the
Richland County Domestic Violence Collaborative
Goal:
The primary purpose of this committee is to empower the Faith community to effectively meet the spiritual needs of the victim and the perpetrator. This committee works to educate themselves and other faith community members about domestic violence and on how to address it with a congregation. They assist by providing members of their congregation clear, consistent messages about peace and non-violence in all relationships and assurance of continued support.
Objectives:
- To help the church understand “What is domestic violence?”
- To help the church understand “What are the options?” by which it may help address domestic violence issues.
- To encourage congregations to educate on and promote models of healthy relationships.
- To encourage the church to maintain its' spiritual connection with the Parishioners seeking help if given permission.
- To support the parishioners' choice to seek another spiritual refuge if it becomes necessary.
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