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PADVN welcomes those who promote non-violence in all relationships. They provide advocacy and resources for the prevention of and healing from societal and domestic violence.
Join PHEWA and take part in this ministry.
2008 focus: Elder Abuse
The 2008 packet is Elder Abuse. Learn more.
Safety Suggestions
These safety suggestions have been compiled from safety plans distributed by state domestic violence coalitions from around the country. Following these suggestions is not a guarantee of safety, but could help improve your safety situation. Download safety suggestions. 
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 the following resources to aid you in that journey.
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.
Give online or mail a check to help PADVN continue to offer resources like this packet.
From Presbyterians Today | June 2007
As more domestic violence survivors speak out, the church must be ready to
help them heal
By Eva Stimson
It has been nearly 20 years since Julie Owens’ husband threatened her
with a carpet knife. But she describes this episode from a short-lived abusive
marriage in chilling detail — as if it happened yesterday.
“He was threatening to hurt me if I yelled or
screamed. He held me at knife point for hours.”
The couple’s baby son slept peacefully nearby. In another part of the
house her parents were busy packing for an anniversary trip. Owens says her husband,
David, was upset because he had called home and the line was busy. He accused
her of being unfaithful to him. He had been possessive and controlling since
the early days of their marriage, but this was the closest he had come to harming
her physically. Finally David fell asleep and Owens hid the knife. The next morning
he told her, “I should have killed you last night when I had the chance.”
The daughter of a Presbyterian minister, Owens says
she “was educated,
well-traveled. I didn’t fit the stereotype of someone who would be abused.” But
church connections and social status could not protect her from a husband who
was charming in public, but who struggled with inner demons precipitated by his
own childhood abuse. Keep reading this
story.
Theological statement
"It is not enemies who taunt me — I could bear that; it is not adversaries who deal Insolently with me — I could hide from them.
But it is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend, with whom I kept pleasant
Company; we walked in the house of God with the throng." (Psalm 55:12-14) [Read more]
Clifton Kirkpatrick signs on to the national declaration to eradicate domestic violence
April 5, 2006 — Forty-two national religious leaders from around the country declared violence against women as intolerable and pledged their commitment to its eradication. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), signed the declaration and committed the PC(USA) to join other faith communities in this effort. [Read more]
'And then it was okay'
She drew her own face with an “ugly nose” — ugly because it had been broken several times by her husband. But she also drew his lips kissing her forehead. Surely that proved that he loved her and that is what made his abuse okay.
Many women in prison are victims of such abuse. How is the church involved?
[Read more] |
