ABOUT OUR PARISH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OUTREACH MINISTRY
In response to the sermon from Father Chuck Dahm, Director of ACDVO, on June 2, Saint Catherine-Saint Lucy Saint Giles Parish has established a new ministry, the Domestic Violence Outreach Ministry (‘DVOM’).
We are joining a network of over 60 parishes within the Archdiocese of Chicago who work to create awareness, provide information on available resources/services in our area, and promote prevention of domestic violence.
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.
Learn more about the Archdiocesan Domestic Abuse Outreach (ACDVO) program by logging onto www.archchicago.org and select Domestic Violence under the Offices and Ministries tab – CLICK HERE
If you are a victim or survivor of domestic abuse seeking help:
- 911
- National Domestic Violence 24-hour Helpline – 1-800-799 SAFE (7233); 1-800-787-3224 (TTY); Text ‘START’ to 88788
- National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline – 866-331-9474
- Sarah’s Inn – 708-386-4225, www.sarahsinn.org
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.”
