wfn.org | New Domestic Violence Resources Published

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

3-September-1997 
97341 
 
    New Domestic Violence Resources Published; 
    Training Events on Prevention Scheduled 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the United 
States.  In preparation for its observance, the Presbyterian Church's 
Societal Violence Initiative Team (SVIT) has commissioned a new resource, 
"Striking Terror No More." 
 
    In addition, the SVIT has planned two training events -- in February 
and March 1998 -- to help church leaders more effectively confront domestic 
violence. 
 
    The new resource, edited by Beth Basham, senior editor for the 
Curriculum Publishing Program Area in the Congregational Ministries 
Division, and Sara Lisherness, associate in the Presbyterian Peacemaking 
Program, addresses child, date, spouse and elder abuse in the church and 
society. 
 
    "We are grateful to Beth, Sara and the many contributors for their 
sensitive, faith-based response to the violence that surrounds us," said 
SVIT member Jinny Miller.  "We hope the resource will be helpful to 
congregations as they confront the violence that touches the very hearts of 
many who sit in our pews every Sunday." 
 
    In the Introduction to "Striking Terror No More," the Rev. Thelma 
Burgonio-Watson, a member of SVIT, wrote, "Churches can be a resource to 
those who are the victims or the perpetrators of violence.  This study 
guide faithfully and clearly outlines how clergy and laity can learn the 
nature and causes of violence in families and use the resources of our 
tradition appropriately to provide safety for victims, to stop the abuse by 
calling perpetrators to account, to restore relationships if possible and, 
if not, to mourn the loss of relationships." 
 
    "Striking Terror No More" is part of a packet of PC(USA) resources 
addressing domestic violence issues entitled "Confronting Violence Against 
Women: The Church's Calling."  The packet can be ordered by calling 
Presbyterian Distribution Service at 1-800-524-2612 and ordering product 
#72-700-96-002 (Societal Violence Resource Packet).  The cost is $6. 
 
    A limited number of participants will be selected from applications 
received by Oct. 15 for the training events.  The goals of the events, 
according to SVIT chair Kristine Thompson, are "to train Presbyterians on 
the issue of violence against women and to prepare them to educate 
congregations and middle governing bodies on preventing domestic violence." 
 
    The trainings will be led by the Rev. Marie Fortune and a team from the 
Seattle-based Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence. 
"It is our belief," said Thompson, "that training women and men from across 
the church is the best hope for helping our church become a safe place for 
women and children who are victims of child abuse." 
 
    Additional information and applications for the training events are 
obtainable by contacting Annie Wu King in the Women's Ministries Program 
Area of the National Ministries Division in Louisville at (502) 569-5401. 

------------
For more information contact Presbyterian News Service
  phone 502-569-5504             fax 502-569-8073  
  E-mail PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org   Web page: http://www.pcusa.org 
  mailed from World Faith News <wfn-news@wfn.org>  

--