Domestic Violence

One in three women and one in four men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). On average, 20 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States—more than 10 million women and men a year, according to the NCADV. (Read more here.)

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Have you made plans to talk about it in your groups, congregations or communities?

Tenth Triennial Convention (2017)

When the voting members of the Tenth Triennial Convention (2017) addressed domestic abuse and violence, they called all expressions of our organization into action. First and foremost, they required women in this organization to educate themselves about the signs of domestic abuse and violence and the services available in their community by inviting shelter workers, social workers, counselors and police officers to speak.

Calling women to action, the voting members offered the following suggestions.

  • Post information for local domestic violence hotlines and other hotlines in church restrooms, on bulletin boards, in church newsletters and in other publications:
    National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-888-799-SAFE
    National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline – 1-866-331-9474
    National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-4-A-CHILD
    National Elder Abuse Hotline – 1-800-677-1116
  • Assist people in crisis by connecting them with agencies, professionals, and resources, offering financial support to local domestic abuse and violence shelters and donating items for their “needs list”, such as personal hygiene items, food, clothing, furniture, toys, quilts, and attending their events and fundraisers.
  • Volunteer at a local domestic abuse and violence shelter.
  • Make every ELCA congregation, where possible, a safe space for victims of domestic abuse and violence, and making it known.
  • Further educate ourselves about domestic abuse and violence, such as ELCA Justice for Women, Faith Trust Institute, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Children’s Defense Fund.