October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Communities of faith can use this opportunity to provide information, encourage outreach, challenge religious justifications for violence, promote equality and respect, and provide support for survivors. Resources from organizations like FaithTrust Institute and the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence are specifically designed to help congregations and clergy develop training, foster open communication, and create a culture of safety.
Take Action This October
- Faith leaders can make public statements declaring domestic violence (DV) a moral and spiritual problem and can use sermons and congregational communications to amplify the message.
- Congregations can promote healthy relationships by engaging in conversations about respectful parenting, marriage, and dating, using faith-based frameworks to advocate for justice and a culture free from violence.
- It’s important for faith communities to identify and challenge religious interpretations that condone or excuse DV, and to promote attitudes that foster equality in relationships.
- Your church or meeting can support survivors, becoming a source of strength and practical support for those suffering abuse at the hands of a family member or dating partner. Establish a relationship of trust and collaboration with the local DV service provider in your area so you can make referrals with confidence when there’s a need. The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence website can help you identify the nearest program.
- Support your local DV program with financial and in-kind donations (be sure to ask what they need first before organizing a collection) and invite their community educators to speak with adult and youth groups in your church.
- Use MCC’S DV Resource Page to find secular, faith-based and denominational materials.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the 24-hour statewide hotline: 1-866-834-HELP (Deaf and hard of hearing call: 1-800-437-1220)
