Every person has a right to live their life free from violence, abuse, intimidation and fear. Catholic parishes can play an important role in the fighting the scourge of domestic abuse.
Here you will find information and resources about how you can play a part in tackling domestic abuse in your parish.
Women, men and children are suffering domestic abuse at the hands of husbands, wives, parents and other family members. Violence of this kind should never be tolerated or justified. It is an offence against the dignity of the human person.
Raising awareness of the prevalence of domestic abuse in our society is as important as ever.
Here are some ways in which you can spread the message about where and how to get help:
Supporting people who may be experiencing domestic violence and abuse:
Many parishes are using their energy to support people via phone, emails, and social media. This important work is a way of reminding people that they are not alone.
We urge you to continue this work, and perhaps to ask yourself, who might be being forgotten? There may be parishioners who don’t usually have a lot of regular contact, for example through parish choir or study groups, and so reaching out to those who might not already be in parish groups or on mailing lists is especially important.
Here you will find a short guide on how you and your parish can practically support local organisations and refuges through collecting and delivering donations for women, men and children living in refuges.
A signposting toolkit that provides clergy resources and assistance to those fleeing domestic violence and abuse.
Booklet on Domestic Abuse published by the National Board of Catholic Women (NBCW).
