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." USCCB, When I Call for Help, 2002.

The Catholic Bishops of the United States affirmed their stance against domestic violence, and their support for victims of 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 (updated again in 2016)
• Includes practical suggestions for dioceses and parishes based on actual experiences

When I Call for Help Resources

• Full Text of When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence 
• Full Text in Spanish: Cuando Pido Ayuda: Una Respuesta Pastoral A La Violencia Domestica Contra La Mujer
• When I Call for Help Powerpoint (For use in presentations)
• When I Call for Help Resource Cards: These cards, available in English and Spanish, list signs of an abusive relationship and include the number of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Ideal for parish pamphlet racks, for placing in parish restrooms, and as a resource to raise a congregation's awareness about domestic abuse. 

Resources for Priests, Deacons, and Pastoral Staffs

• Media Toolkit for October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month (from Catholics for Family Peace)
• Suggestions for preaching about family violence
• Addressing domestic violence in the sacrament of reconciliation
• What do you say?
• Life Matters: Domestic Violence (web page format here)
• Resource Flyer in English and Spanish for use in parish and diocesan facilities