Introduction

Manual Overview

BOOK I: Faith Community Curriculum for Clergy and Lay Leaders

BOOK II: Family Violence: Helping Survivors and Abusers
A Manual for Faith Communities

BOOK III: Pastor’s Packet: Family Violence Awareness Materials for Pastors

BOOK IV: Curriculum for Laity
Part 1-A Opening Comments
  - Honor survivors in attendance
  - Definitions
  - Incidence of battering
  - Violence in scripture
Part 1-B Dynamics
  - Power and control
  - Why people stay
Part 1-C Myths
Part 1-D Questions & Answers,   Discussion
Part 2-A Opening Comments
  - Questions or thoughts
    from last segment
Part 2-B How Individuals
   Can Help
  - Victim/survivors
  - Abusers
  - Teens and children
Part 2-C How Faith Communities
  Can Help
Part 2-D Closure: The Good   Samaritan
Participant Handouts

Appendix

Part 2-B: How individuals can help

Desired Time

• 20 to 30 minutes

Purpose

• Provide practical "what to say and do" tools

Strategies

• Discussion

Materials

• Handout: "Actions that people can take"
• Community resource material when available OR brochure

Content

Discuss how individuals can help by mentioning some of the following examples. Information is found in greater detail as indicated in the list below. (From Book II: "Family Violence: Helping Survivors and Abusers")

State:

• "Become informed. The more you understand the better help you can be."
• "Learn to recognize it."
• "Be comfortable asking questions. Be sure the setting is confidential." (See "Actions to consider")
• "Respond with an attitude of openness, lack of judgment, acceptance and support."
• "Use words for comfort and affirmation."
• "I am so sorry this happened to you."
• "You don't deserve it. You did not cause this to happen."
• "It must have taken a lot of courage for you to tell me this."
• "There is help for you."
• "One of the most important roles you have is spiritual support."

Use phrases such as:

• "God loves you. God does not want anyone to be hurt in this way."
• "I do not believe God is punishing you."
• "Would you like if it we prayed together?"
• "Your prime focus should be a goal of ending the violence and the safety of the survivor."

Take fear of danger very seriously.

Do not put yourself at risk.

Seek help from local advocates. (See "Alexandra House Safety Plan")

"Abusers must be held accountable!"