Domestic Violence: A Focus Guide for Clergy and Religious Leaders

This is a public health guide developed by a committee of faith community representatives and victim services providers.

The key prevention and education resources provided in this guide include:

• Suggestions for worship including a model sermon on domestic violence;
• Adapted Power and Control and Equality wheels which relate various components to Bible scripture; and
• General suggestions for creating a helpful environment to respond to domestic violence within the congregation.

The guide also highlights pastoral counseling tips including a discussion of the effects of spoken, unspoken and internalized messages on victims of domestic violence who may be part of the congregation.