What your faith
community can do...
Educate yourself and your community on the dynamics of domestic violence and healthy relationships. Invite advocates in your community to do presentations and/or consultations on responding to domestic violence. Texas domestic violence programs can be found online at www.tcfv.org or by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 800-787-3224.
Tell victims and survivors the abuse is not their fault, and it is not God’s will for them. Tell them this problem concerns you. Don’t force the issue, but allow them to confide in you at their own pace. Keep your mind open and really listen to what they tell you. Never blame them for what’s happening or underestimate their fear of potential danger.
Hold batterers accountable for their behavior and help them identify Batterer Intervention and Prevention Programs that will help them change their behavior. For information on programs working to end men’s violence against women visit: www.mensnonviolence.org and http://www.endabuse.org/cbim/.
Speak out against domestic violence through sermons, talks, lectures and bulletin articles emphasizing sacred writings that stress equality and nonviolence in relationships.
Letting your faith member know that you care and are willing to listen may be the best way you can help. Be supportive of the victim and survivor, as well as the batterer.
Listen to survivors of domestic violence in your faith community and ask them for ideas on how your faith community can better support them.
Establish a relationship with the local domestic violence program or shelter by inviting their staff to do educational presentations during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October or at other times of the year.
Distribute and display public education materials in newsletters or by posting information in your community’s restrooms to raise awareness and provide resources to your faith community. Free public education materials are available: Click here download the form.
Educate and encourage youth in lessons about respect, gender equality, bullying prevention and nonviolent conflict resolution.
Educate staff, especially those who work closely with children, to be aware of the signs of abuse.
Encourage your faith community to support and get involved with the local family violence program or anti-violence organization in your community.
Encourage families displaced by domestic violence to continue attending services by waiving fees for membership and programs for their children.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) TTY 800-787-3224. An advocate can put you in touch with programs and services in your area that assist victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as give referrals for batterers. Keep a list of current resources and contacts available at all times.
Listen. Learn. Teach.
