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2008 Domestic Violence Congregational Packet
Focus: Elder Abuse
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network (PADVN) provides this annual packet to assist your congregation as it seeks to bring healing to families affected by domestic violence. If you are not in a position to use this material, please pass it on to your pastor, someone in your congregation or to another congregation. Persons need to hear that violence is against God’s plan for their lives.
The 2008 packet focuses on Elder Abuse. Since 2001, PADVN has produced a packet for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During those years, we have covered a number of topics: domestic violence 101, children who witness the violence, men’s involvement in the movement, tough issues that arise in congregations, and education and advocacy.
In this year’s packet, you will find excerpts from the Presbyterian Church (USA) policy on domestic violence, elder abuse warning signs, reporting information and where to find your state’s specific laws and reporting guidelines, worship materials, a lesson plan for a session on elder abuse, a personal story about caregiving, suggested resources, an article on “elder friendly communities,” and information from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence concerning “abuse in later life.”
- Cover Letter
Introductory letter to the 2008 Domestic Violence Awareness Packet.
- Elder Abuse: The Church Speaks
Read excerpts from the Presbyterian (U.S.A.) policy, Turn Mourning into Dancing! A Policy Statement on Healing Domestic Violence that give definitions of the forms of elder abuse that are illustrated by short stories.
- Elder Abuse Warning Signs
Although signs of abuse are similar to spouse/partner abuse, financial exploitation, neglect or self-neglect and healthcare fraud and abuse are more likely to happen to elders.
- Elder Abuse Reporting & Helpful Information
Learn about what the Church’s policy says about the duty to report elder abuse and where to locate information about state law and reporting requirements.
- The Bible, Wisdom and Older Adulthood
This article speaks to the fact that our society devalues elders and how the Church is called to serve as an advocate for the role that wisdom plays in human life. This may be used as background material to a study or as inspiration for a sermon.
- Lectionary Resources for Awareness Sunday
ased upon the lectionary for October 19, 2008, these suggestions aid in the preparation of the worship service.
- Suggested Session Plan on Elder Abuse
This educational session is from the book Striking Terror No More. It is the second edition by Beth Basham and Sara Lisherness, pp. 83-87. Permission was granted by Congregational Ministries Publishing, PC(USA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202.
- Care for the Caregiver
Read the story of a personal journey of caregiving; a journey of the joys, burdens and cautions related to the care of family members in their later years.
- Suggested Resources
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has several good resources for education, study and consultation.
- Elder Friendly Communities
Imagine a state in which every community is elder friendly!
- Abuse in Later Life
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) resource that gives current statistics on abuse in later life.
- PHEWA Membership Form
Join PHEWA and its 10 Networks to help us provide materials and outreach to those marginalized by society. Become a member to receive a newsletter and other relevant justice materials.
Download the full packet
If you would like to print and share the 2008 Domestic Violence Congregational Packet please download this zipped file. (Save this file and unzip it with your preferred zip application.)
More domestic violence resources for congregations
In every congregation of every faith, victims, survivors and abusers sit in our pews. Some are listening for words of recognition, understanding, comfort and healing, hoping to hear that the church stands with them and wants them to choose life. All need to hear a clear message that violence in our homes is against the will of God. Our silence makes us complicit to the suffering.
Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network (PADVN) invites you to make your church a place where the gospel of wholeness is heard and lived out. We offer resources to aid you in that journey.
Take the next step in addressing domestic violence
PADVN offers training in your congregation or presbytery to supplement the information in this packet. Training on how churches can prevent or address domestic violence is also available. Contact Nancy Troy to learn more.
Support the work of PADVN
Give online or mail a check to help PADVN continue to offer resources like this packet. |
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