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.

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2009 Domestic Violence Congregational Packet

Focus: Teen Dating Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Presbyterians Against Domestic Violence Network (PADVN) provides this annual packet to assist your congregation as you seek to bring healing to families affected by domestic violence. Please share this material with your pastor or youth group leader. The message needs to be heard that violence is against God’s plan for our lives. When pastors preach on these issues, and congregations study and talk openly about these issues, those who sit in silence in our pews know that their church is a safe and supportive place to help them deal with what is going on in their lives. [Read more]

It’s all about partnerships …

When domestic violence advocates and persons committed to congregation-based community organizing met in Detroit, it was the creative work of the connectional church that made the gathering a success.

Liturgical dance followed the stories of domestic violence survivors. Photo courtesy of PHEWA

Two national church offices, the Small Church and Community Ministry Office and the Presbyterian Health, Education & Welfare Association, PACT and PADVN leadership teams, the Detroit Presbytery, the Synod of the Covenant and the Council of Clergywomen of Metropolitan Detroit pulled together to tackle the issue of domestic violence. And … what an event it was.

• The Detroit Gathering through the lens of domestic violence
• The Detroit Gathering through the lens of congregation-based community organizing
• Organizing principles and practices

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.

Get 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 the following resources to aid you in that journey.

• Domestic violence — the basics
• Particular tools for pastors and congregational leadership
• Worship resources
• Children and domestic violence
• Resources for particular populations
• Men stopping violence materials
• Marketing materials (PADVN)

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 Susan Stack to learn more.

Support the work of PADVN
Give online or mail a check to help PADVN continue to offer resources like this packet.

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]