Course Summary:

Domestic violence is a secretive and widespread epidemic that affects marriages and families everywhere, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, economic status, sexual orientation, or religious denomination. It can cause psychological scars, physical injury, and in some cases, can even end with death. Its aftermath can last a lifetime, and can also spill over from one generation to the next. Sadly, domestic violence and its effects are all too often minimized, denied, or overlooked.

When clergy, staff, and congregants know what to watch for and are ready to respond as needed, they can help minimize the effects of domestic violence within a religious community. This 45-minute course can help!

Learning Objectives:

• Define domestic violence and its common manifestations
• Learn some statistics regarding domestic violence in the United States
• Identify and know more about the effects of domestic violence in the lives of those who are affected by it
• Be able to identify a typical profile of an abuser
• Know more about your role and responsibility to recognize, educate, or take action to help those who suffer from the effects of domestic abuse

Key Topics Include:

• Defining Domestic Violence
• Types of Domestic Violence: Physical, Emotional and Psychological, Economic/Financial and Spiritual, Sexual
• Stalking and Cyberstalking
• Child/Elder Abuse
• Problematic Issues for Witnesses to Domestic Violence
• The Domestic Violence Cycle
• Domestic Violence in Faith-Based Groups
• Why Victims Stay
• Profile of a Male Abuser
• Profile of a Female Abuser
• Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence
• Recognizing Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
• What a Church Can Do to Help Victims of Domestic Violence
• What Not to Do in Helping Victims of Domestic Violence
• When Should the Church Intervene?
• Training Staff and Volunteers to Respond
• Clergy Abusing Spouses
• Signs That You May Be in an Abusive Relationship
• Getting Help

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