Domestic Violence Clergy Information

Help!I'm the pastor of a rural, medium sized church.
A mother just phoned saying her daughter had been raped by her boyfriend.
What do I do now?"(Actual question from a pastor who needed domestic violence clergy information.)

The Problem:

Domestic Violence, Family Violence, Intimate Partner Violence. Different terms for the same problem. Any form of violence within a relationship or family. It can involve hitting or other acts of physical violence but it doesn't have to. Domestic violence also includes controlling the victim emotionally, spiritually, financially, physically or sexually. The victim is often isolated from friends and family until the perception on the victim's part is that there is no one left to turn to for help. Domestic violence knows no boundaries. That's why it is important for clergy to have information. Domestic violence happens in every socioeconomic level, race, age, religious background and in both genders.

Statistics:

1:4 Women and 1:9 Men are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

(CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey 2005).

1 in 5 female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.

 (National Domestic Violence Hotline)

Helping is easier than you think!

Raise Awareness within your Church Family!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Anytime is a good time to raise awareness of domestic violence. During the months of April and October there is an added national focus. Use these tools to help in your congregation. If you need more help contact us. We can help you get the domestic violence information for clergy that you need.

Awareness Flyer	Bulletin Insert	Liturgical Readings
Prayer Service Bulletin (Customizable)	Ways to Help	Pulpit Helps
Domestic Violence Brochure	Fact Sheet	Tips Creating a Safe Environment Coming soon!
Resource Sheet	Prayers for Domestic Violence Prayer Service	Scenarios for Awareness Moment

    

We are glad to help you find what you need.       Besides the website we also offer:   Oasis Church Training Clergy email support Library loaner program Speakers who can visit your church Referrals to local resources Education both online and offline Newsletters And more! To find out about our Church Training program Oasis Churches download a free brochure here. Oasis Churches (PDF file requires the free Adobe Reader.)   For more information contact: hopeinfo@hopeforhealing.org  or leave a message in our Guestbook Now.