We offer the following practical suggestions for several audiences.
Make your parish a safe place where abused women and abusive men can come for help. Here are some specific suggestions:
USCCB - When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women
The Catholic Church teaches that violence against another person in any form fails to treat that person as someone worthy of love. Instead, it treats the person as an object to be used. 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.
Violence against women in the home has serious repercussions for children. Over 50 percent of men who abuse their wives also beat their children. Children who grow up in violent homes are more likely to develop alcohol and drug addictions and to become abusers themselves. The stage is set for a cycle of violence that may continue from generation to generation.
USCCB - When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides crisis intervention and referrals to local service providers. Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TTY). For more information, go to https://www.thehotline.org. Hotline Advocates are available to chat online, Monday to Friday, 9 AM - 7 PM CST.