Three ways your church can prepare now to help victims of domestic abuse

In my previous article, I discussed the prevalence of domestic abuse within the church. As discouraging and troubling as it is to consider, it is statistically likely that someone in your church is struggling with domestic abuse right now. By taking steps to create an environment that will help survivors of domestic abuse, you can be prepared to respond well and care for church members who are experiencing domestic abuse. Here’s how to start:

1. Learn more about the dynamics of abuse.

The Southern Baptist Convention has produced an excellent resource, Becoming a Church That Cares Well for the Abused, which includes 12 video lessons and a workbook. You can also find a wealth of information about abuse from a faith-based perspective by reading books and articles, listening to podcasts or watching videos from Christian experts like Leslie Vernick, Darby Strickland, Chris Moles, Joy Forrest and Julie Owens.

If you’re short on time, use the team approach. Ask a member of your staff or a passionate lay leader to complete a course or read up on abuse then share what he or she has learned. In light of what you discover, you may need to write or review church policies regarding abuse.

2. Research local resources.

Create a list of resources that would be helpful to a victim of domestic abuse. Start with women’s shelters and counselors who specialize in working with victims of domestic abuse and trauma. Contact them to find out what services they offer, how to refer a victim, and what happens after a referral.

Expand your list by thinking about immediate needs a woman might have when fleeing an abusive situation, such as food, clothing and legal services, then look for community organizations or other local resources to meet these needs. Don’t forget to consider possible long-term needs such as a cell phone, help with transportation, bill assistance, subsidized housing, medical insurance and job training.

Consider whether your church has benevolence funds that could be used to meet a victim’s practical needs. You may want to agree with church leaders in advance on a process to access these funds quickly in an emergency situation.

3. Speak out against abuse.

Pastoral counselor and SEBTS seminary professor Brad Hambrick writes, “Here’s the reality: what a pastor talks about in the pulpit or through social media is what congregation members think it’s okay to struggle with at that church.”

Pastors should consider preaching occasional sermons focused on explaining and condemning domestic abuse (possible texts include Psalm 140, Eph. 4:29-32, Eph. 5:25-32 and 1 Pet. 3:7). However, it may be even more important to make brief, regular references to domestic abuse when the text you are preaching from refers to mistreatment, ungodly behavior such as violence, or instructions about marriage relationships.

In addition, think about creating flyers to post in the women’s restroom listing some common warning signs of abuse, along with an encouraging Scripture like Matthew 11:28 and the 24-hour national domestic violence hotline number (1-800-799-SAFE).

The Bible is clear that God hates oppression, and the local church must be clear as well. By taking a clear stand against domestic abuse, church leaders show abusers that their behavior is absolutely unacceptable and let victims know that the church is a safe place for them to come forward.

Although domestic abuse is a difficult issue to address, it is of the utmost importance, not only for the safety of the women and children involved, but for the honor of God’s name. As Called to Peace Ministries says, since the Bible teaches us that marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church, “abuse in marriage is tantamount to heresy because it wrongly portrays the relationship between God and His people.”

In the upcoming weeks I will share the final article in this series, discussing how a pastor or leader can respond when a church member discloses domestic abuse.

Kimber Huff serves as the partnership and development director at the Baptist Convention of New England.