Resources for Victims of Domestic Violence and Their Advocates

I’m disappointed. In my last post, I promised to highlight some success stories of domestic abuse victims who have been helped by their churches. I didn’t want to “out” anyone. I simply wanted concrete evidence that these programs are working.
 
I’ve contacted Safe Havens, an interfaith organization that trains churches on how to help victims. I’ve sent messages to churches that I know have programs in place: the Presbyterian Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns, to the United Methodist Justice Committee. I’ve asked people I know personally. And I’ve got nothing. I failed and I’m sorry.
 
However, I also promised to give you a list of resources. That I can do. The following are only a few of the many Internet and other resources available.

Resources for Victims of Domestic Abuse
https://www.thehotline.org
The first thing a victim of domestic abuse can do is to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The hotline is open 24/7. Caller’s information is kept private, and the safety of the caller is a primary concern. The organization’s mission is to “answer the call to support and shift power back to people affected by relationship abuse.” It is supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, and partners at the NFL and Mary Kay Inc. Resources of publications and local agencies are offered online at
 
Resources for Victims in Crises and those in the Process of Healing

• A Guide to Domestic Violence and Getting Help
  
• Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
• Family and Youth Services Bureau
• Family Violence Prevention Services
• What Jesus Says About Women: You Are Not “Less Than”
• Love Like You've Never Been Hurt: Hope, Healing and the Power of an Open Heart
• What Jesus Says About Women: You Are Not “Less Than”
• Here's one resource I've found specifically for men: Recognizing Emotional Abuse After Divorce
• Also, check out your local church and community resources. 

Resources for Advocates of Domestic Abuse Victims – Understanding and Addressing the Issue

• 6 Steps to Support a Survivor
• Intimate Partner Violence: How Churches Can Circumvent Domestic Violence

• 15 Books on Domestic Violence for Pastors, Believers, and Survivors
• 30 Strategies for Fighting Abuse in the Church
• Combating Domestic Abuse in the Church 
• Linking Arms to STOP the Emotional and Spiritual Abuse of Women of Faith
• National Resource Center on Domestic Violence 
• Presbyterian Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns
• Safe Havens
• United Methodist Justice Committee

Please note, I cannot be held responsible for the results in contacting any of these sources.
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​Blessings,

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Author

Linda M. Kurth is a writer and a divorced and remarried Christian. In going through the divorce, she experienced a dichotomy of responses from the Christian community. After sharing some of those experiences in her upcoming memoir, God, the Devil, and Divorce, she's heard many stories of divorced Christians who have struggled with the same issues. This blog invites divorced Christians to tell their stories with the goal of encouraging churches to resist condemnation and become a source of healing and grace.

​Do you have a divorce experience to share? Have you been shamed by a church because of your divorce?  Or encouraged? There are hurting people who would like to hear your story, who need to know they are not alone, and who need to be encouraged. If you are interested in sharing your story, email Linda for guidelines: Linda@LindaMKurth.com