A faith community has a responsibility to provide care for families in need. In addition, it exhorts society to share compassion and comfort with those afflicted by personal tragedy. Leaders of the faith community are encouraged to create a unified response to domestic violence.

What You Can Do

• Offer a Safe Place

Encourage victims of domestic violence to come for help. Hospitality and a warm welcome help to create safety. Display brochures and posters which include the telephone number of the Domestic Violence Help Line 1.877.863.6338.

• Work with Colleagues

Develop a coordinated response to domestic violence. Familiarize yourselves with local resources and support services.

• Educate the Congregation

Provide ways for members of the congregation to learn as much as they can about domestic violence. Routinely include information in monthly newsletters, on bulletin boards, and in marriage preparation classes. Sponsor educational seminars on domestic violence in your congregation.

• Speak Out About Domestic Violence

Faith leaders can have a powerful impact on people’s attitudes and beliefs. Address issues related to violence during weekly sermons.

• Encourage Community Involvement

Inform members of your congregation about volunteer opportunities.

• Provide Space

Offer meeting space for educational seminars or weekly support groups. Some places of worship, for example, provide supervised visitation sites where parents can safely visit their children.

• Be Generous with Financial Resources

Include local agencies in donations and community service projects. Adopt a shelter or resource center for which your congregation provides material support. Help provide similar support to families as they begin to rebuild their lives.

• Respond

If you suspect someone is a victim of domestic violence inquire about their well being. Help the victim identify options and devise a safety plan. Refer couples to separate counselors.

• Support Professional Training

Encourage training and education for leaders in your religious community to increase awareness about sexual and domestic violence.

• Address Internal Issues.

Support efforts to address allegations of abuse to ensure that leaders of faith communities are regarded as a safe and appropriate resource for victims of domestic violence.
Encourage victims of domestic violence to come for help. Hospitality and a warm welcome help to create safety. Display brochures and posters which include the telephone number of the Domestic Violence Help Line 1.877.863.6338.

Click here to download the Domestic Violence Community Campaign

_{Adapted in part from the Nebraska Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition and the Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence, Seattle,WA. Used with permission.}