Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in our nation. Statistics from a variety of sources indicate the prevalence of domestic violence among users of various social services. For example:

• Many women in homeless shelters are there to escape abusive men. Statistics vary from 11 percent to 64 percent.
• 30-50 percent of women seeking help for themselves in hospital emergency rooms are victims of abuse.
• 20-30 percent of adult women are at risk of being abused by their male partners during the course of marriage.

We as Christians are called to respond
The church has a special role beyond that of local shelters and agencies. It is important to base our response on faith, but women in abusive relationships will stay away from situations in which they perceive they will be blamed or coerced or in which they feel confidentiality will not be respected.

Some ways to establish a climate of safety for women in a congregation include

• having women be part of pastoral staff and be well represented on decision-making and financial boards and committees;
• displaying a bulletin board with resource information for women, including material promoting awareness of domestic violence;
• publishing information about domestic violence in the parish newsletter or bulletin inserts; and
• making a public statement that the congregation is committed to being a safe place for all people.

For Women
Women Healing and Empowering
by Pamela Cooper-White
An eight-week Bible-focused support group program that can serve as a means for community outreach and a healing ministry for women in the congregation. The resource helps congregations organize and host a support group for women dealing with past or present abuse. Care must be taken with publicity (one strategy is to publicize the group as a self-esteem group and explain its purpose fully when women inquire). A small group size is also important. The curriculum is a superb tool for a challenging task that requires thoughtful preparation. A dozen ELCA synods have teams that have been trained to use the curriculum. Includes 1 facilitator guide and 5 participant books. (Single copies of participant books are not available. If a group has additional members, facilitators may photocopy a book, order another package, or ask members to share.)
6-0000-6542-6
$30 per package plus shipping and handling

For Youth 
Beyond Violence: Empowering Youth to Make a Difference
A planning guide designed for a one-day event or a weekend retreat for young people and the adults with whom they minister. The guide outlines three sessions (on community building, diversity, and violence), includes a 38-minute video, and offers three electives (on violence in relationships, community violence, and world violence).
6-0000-7340-2 
shipping and handling charge

For Adults
The Cry of Tamar: Violence against Women and the Church’s Response
by Pamela Cooper-White
An overview of various forms of violence against women that calls the church to examine its own ethical resources and counseling insights when constructing its response. The book has been called a major resource both for those teaching courses about violence to women and for practitioners who support women in violent situations. The issues are dealt with in the context of biblical and theological reflection as well as psychological counseling.
0-8006-2730-X $23.00

Building Bridges: Men Dealing Constructively with Anger
An eight-session guide that assists participants in identifying emotions and discovering new tools for dealing positively with conflict. Packet includes 1 leader guide and 5 participant books.
Packet
6-0000-9898-7
$30.00
Leader guide
6-0000-9896-0
$6.00
Participant book
6-0000-9895-2
$6.00

Building Bridges and Women Healing and Empowering were developed and printed in part with grants from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

To order the resources listed above, call Augsburg Fortress at 800-328-4648. Be prepared to give an account number or a credit card number. Filling a phone order will take about a week; a mail order may take three weeks. If you must mail a check, be sure to call for an exact price that includes shipping, handling, and sales tax (a check in error by even a small amount will be returned, further delaying your order). If several people are ordering, you may wish to use your church account number and have all items shipped to one address so individuals do not have to pay separate shipping and handling charges.

Order by mail:
Augsburg Fortress
P.O. Box 1209
Minneapolis, MN 55440-1209

Order by 24-hour fax:
800-722-7766

Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence (206-634-1903)
This center is an international, private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Found in 1977 by the Reverend Dr. Marie M. Fortune, this interreligious resource center addresses issues of sexual and domestic violence, emphasizing education and prevention. From its many excellent resources we particularly recommend the following:

Broken Vows: Religion Perspectives on Domestic Violence
This award-winning video presents the stories of six battered women (Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Jewish) and how their congregations responded to their situations. Includes a 40-page study guide and a package of brochures promoting awareness. Part 1, 37 minutes; Part 2, 22 minutes. 1994.
V-300 $139 purchase, $50 rental
(Security deposit required for free previews.)

Wings like a Dove: Healing for the Abused Christian Woman
The educational video provides guidance to women who are experiencing abuse in their marriages and to clergy, shelter staff, and others who work with victims of domestic violence. The program directly addresses the religious issues that may be troubling women and preventing them from seeking help. Includes study guide and 25 brochures. 34 minutes. 1997.
$79 purchase, $30 rental

What Every Congregation Needs to Know about Domestic Violence
An excellent introductory pamphlet for distribution to both laity and clergy. Includes information for victims and for batterers.
TC-303 $.50 each; sold in packet of 25
(Call for prices on orders over 100.)
Request a catalog for a full listing of the center’s resources. Consider purchasing Broken Vows for a resource center or a group of congregations.

Order by phone or fax:
Phone: 206-634-1903
24-hr. Fax: 206-634-0115

Order by mail:
CPSDV
936 N. 34th St., Suite 200
Seattle, WA 98103