WHAT CAN OUR
CONGREGATION DO?

1. Learn about domestic violence.

  • Invite a person working with domestic violence issues to address the various organizations in your congregation. (See enclosed Speakers Bureau or call Pat Castillo at (210) 735-4988.)
  • Acquire books, materials and tapes for the congregation's library.
  • Purchase denominational materials about domestic violence for use in Bible studies, youth groups and Sunday school classes.

    2. Let people know the congregation is concerned about abuse in families and would like to help.

  • State publicly from the pulpit that violence in families is unacceptable.
  • Offer programs and workshops on the topic of family violence, teen-dating violence, and establishing healthy relationships.
  • Display brochures from local agencies that provide services for families experiencing domestic violence.
  • Include healing prayers for inner wounds resulting from domestic violence in workshop and prayer groups.

    3. Create an atmosphere of openness and support for people who experience abuse.

  • Everyone, starting with the clergy and lay leaders, needs to examine their beliefs about violence in families, recognize its pervasive harm and learn how to help.
  • Offer nonjudgmental listening; do not tell people what they "should do" or "should not" do.
  • Avoid blaming the victim; instead, offer information on available community resources.
  • Consider opening a safe house for families in your congregation for those who are experiencing abuse.

    4. Get involved as pastors and pastoral staff:

  • Be alert for signs of abuse among congregational members of all ages.
  • If you suspect abuse, ask direct questions, "Is someone at home hurting you?"
  • If you are working with an abuser, say, "I believe you don't want to hurt your family and that is what is happening. If you want to keep your family, you have to get help." (See resource list numbers)
  • Use a part of the marriage preparation as a time to educate couples, checking how they handle disagreements and problem solving.
  • Have a written action plan in place to follow if an abused woman or a batterer asks for help.

    5. Encourage members to become involved in community services that assist families in abusive situations.

  • Collect money (a second collection or percentage of collection) or have a fund raiser for the Battered Women's Shelter, (210) 733-8810, the Anima Santa Education Fund for formerly battered women enrolled in college or technical school, (210) 735-4988, or the Victims Advocacy Section of the Police Department, emergency needs fund, (210) 207-2141.
  • Volunteer some time and/or have an event at the Shelter. Battered Women's Shelter (210) 733-8810
  • Volunteer to become a Family Assistance Crisis Team (F.A.C.T.) member. F. A. C. T. Office of the San Antonio Police Department (210) 207-2136
  • Sponsor an event for October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and include it on the citywide calendar by providing the information to the calendar coordinator:
    Sandra Moore-Pope & Associates (210) 521-3488 or smoorepope@aol.com
  • Join the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative, (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts), a community based collaboration to end domestic violence.
    Benedictine Resource Center - P.E.A.C.E. Initiative (210) 735-4988
    Join any other organization working for creative solutions to violence, for example,
    the peaceCENTER (210) 224-HOPE (4673) or www.salsa.net/peace

    Stop Abuse! Start Respect!

    Return to Domestic Violence Index