Domestic Violence
"Violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. Violence in any form—physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal—is sinful; often, it is a crime as well" (U.S. Catholic Bishops, When I Call for Help, 2002).
The Catholic Bishops of the United States continued to speak out against domestic violence in their 2002 statement, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, an updated version of their 1992 statement. The statement:
- Addresses abused women, men who abuse, and pastors and pastoral staffs
- Offers updated statistics, resources and information about domestic violence
- Includes practical suggestions for dioceses and parishes based on actual experiences
For the full text of When I Call for Help, click here.
Also available:
When I Call for Help Resource Cards. These cards, in English and Spanish, list signs of an abusive relationship and include the number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Ideal for parish pamphlet racks and as a resource to raise a congregation's awareness about domestic abuse.
For ordering information, click here.
Suggestions for preaching about family violence
Sample homilies on domestic violence
Addressing domestic violence in the sacrament of reconciliation
Batterers and the sacrament of reconciliation
What do you say?
FaithTrust Institute (formerly the Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Family Violence Prevention Fund