The Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry is new this year to St. Giles Parish. In 2011, Cardinal George directed that this type of ministry be established throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago. The mission of the Domestic Violence Outreach of the Archdiocese of Chicago is twofold. The first is to raise awareness of domestic violence throughout the archdiocese and to promote the development and delivery of services, such as counseling and group support, to women and children victims of domestic violence, as well as to perpetrators, at local parishes and through archdiocesan institutions and agencies. The second is to promote the prevention of domestic violence. Girls and boys, young women and young men must learn to recognize the elements of unhealthy and healthy relationships. This is accomplished through education at home, in parishes and at educational institutions.
The mission of the St. Giles Parish Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry is to raise awareness of the problem by defining what is domestic violence, i.e., physical, mental and spiritual. We want to support victims by directing them to the appropriate place or agency to receive help. We also promote the prevention of domestic abuse through education within the parish. We welcome all who would like to work toward these goals.
If you are interested in participating in the Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry at St. Giles Church, contact Annette Hulefeld at ahulefeld@comcast.net or Maureen Sansone at maureen4homes@comcast.net.
All are welcome!!!
THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE
Domestic abuse is a significant assault on the sacredness of life in families. We are all created in God’s image. As a temple of the Holy Spirit, each person is holy and should never be desecrated.
Domestic abuse victims deserve the help and support for physical, emotional and spiritual healing. As the body of Christ, we are called to prayer and action.
A Domestic Violence Outreach ministry allows a victim to become informed about their rights and talk to the people who can support personal decisions. Domestic violence advocates help victims to understand options and risks, identify choices, offer them support, provide referrals and help them find hope.
To learn more about the mission and resources of the Archdiocese Domestic Abuse Outreach program log onto www.archchicago.org and go to the ARCHDIOCESAN RESOURCES box at the lower right of the homepage and select Domestic Violence Committee.
If you are a victim or survivor of domestic abuse seeking help:
- Sarah’s Inn 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-708-386-4225 or www.sarahsinn.org
- National Hotline: 1‐800‐799 SAFE (7233) or 1‐800‐7873224 (TDD)
- State of Illinois Helpline: 1‐877‐863‐6338 (1‐877 – TO END DV)
USCCB, WHEN I CALL FOR HELP: A PASTORAL RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
USCCB: Washington DC, revised 2002
To read the full text go to:
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/marriage/domestic-violence/when-i-call-for-help.cfm
“As pastors of the Catholic Church in the United States, we state as clearly and strongly as we can that violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. Violence in any form” – physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal” – is sinful; often, it is a crime as well.”
“As bishops, we condemn the use of the Bible to support abusive behavior in any form. A correct reading of Scripture leads people to an understanding of the equal dignity of men and women and to relationships based on mutuality and love.”
“When violence occurs within a sacramental marriage, the abused spouse may question, “How do these violent acts relate to my promise to take my spouse for better or for worse?” The person being assaulted needs to know that acting to end the abuse does not violate the marriage promises.”
“Finally, we emphasize that no person is expected to stay in an abusive marriage. Some abused women believe that church teaching on the permanence of marriage requires them to stay in an abusive relationship. They may hesitate to seek a separation or divorce. They may fear that they cannot re-marry in the Church. Violence and abuse, not divorce, break up a marriage.”
“We also encourage church ministers to see themselves as “first responders” who Listen to and believe the victim’s story, Help her to assess the danger to herself and her children, and Refer her to counseling and other specialized services.”
