Faith Community Can Make a Difference

There is no excuse for Domestic Violence

If you live in South Carolina, you need to know this: Reported by the "Post and Courier" SC is #6 in the rate of women killed by men. The Violence Policy Center showed SC improved only by 1 spot in its 2016 Rankings. In that reporting year of 2016, there were 48 women killed. At a recent Silent Witness Ceremony in Columbia, the Attorney General's Office reported that 28 women were killed in 2017.

The South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assualt defines domestic violence as "the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another."

Consider this: 1 in 4 women have been in a domestic violence relationship at some point in their life. Women ages 16-24 experience the highest rate of domestic violence. 

Don't Think It Can't Happen to You or Someone You Love

Our communities need to realize that domestic violence occurs in all social groups, without regard to their ethnic, economic, religious, educational, professional or social background! It is often well hidden from outside observers because it often occurs within the privacy of someone's home.

A Call to Make Preparations

The faith community is an important part of making a difference in this tragic statistic. Understand that an increase in awareness of domestic abuse by the large numbers of people who are active in our area churches is an important step for victims. Further, by sharing the undeniable message that God never intends for any human being to be abused like this, and by linking victims to community resources, clergy can support and strengthen the victim's faith in a loving and just God.

Remember, domestic violence is a learned, purposeful behavior and is a manifestation of the abuser's need to achieve and maintain power and control over the victim.

Meg's House Executive Director Dr. Alice Hodges has developed a comprehensive training for our community. As a volunteer for Meg's House, I am making this workshop available to the faith community. This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month so it's the perfect time for clergy and lay leaders to take this first step in responding to domestic violence. It's not a matter of "if" it is occurring with members of your congregation. Would you recognize the signs if you saw them? Are you comfortable responding to someone who discloses an abusive relationship? 

Can lay leaders and clergy of various churches come together to prepare for the day when a victim or perpetrator discloses the violent nature of a relationship to you?

I urge you to consider hosting this multi-session workshop at your church. Get members of your church leadership involved. Invite other churches to join you. Be prepared!

"His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray