Last week kicked off fair season! Did you go?
I’m from a small farm town in Ohio, so the county fair holds a special place in my heart. I would prepare the month ahead by saving up to play the games, ride the rides, and (almost the most important) buy an elephant ear! I loved walking through the barns and getting to see all the animals my friends worked so hard to raise and some amazing (and some not-so-amazing) woodworking projects.
Growing up, the fair was always a familiar end of one season that lead into a season of newness and uncertainty. When I was riding the rides and eating my elephant ear, I was also learning who my teacher was going to be, if my friends were in my class, and wondering what new adventures and challenges 5th grade would bring.
Victims of domestic abuse find themselves at a collision of the familiar and the possibility of something new. Only in this case what is familiar isn’t an elephant ear. It’s all too common for victims of domestic abuse to think that abuse will always be a part of their life, that there isn’t a way out or that they are all alone.
You and I know that it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a way to a safe and independent life free from abuse and it’s not a path that has to be walked alone.
You likely also know that the Church is uniquely positioned to be able to help guide victims of domestic abuse towards the first step to a new life. That is why we have developed new materials and trainings, specifically for YOU. We want to equip you and your team to be able to help identify the signs of domestic abuse and how to start the conversation that can help victims know it doesn’t have to be this way.
Ahead of Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention month this October, we want to come to you (in-person or virtually) and equip you in the best ways to respond when you learn that a church member is the victim of abuse, or when you suspect abuse may be affecting a family in the congregation.
Sign up for our church leader training and view our new resources for churches here. If you’d like to know more or have any questions, give me a call or text or shoot me an email (317)-763-0820, jreichenbach@shelteringwings.org).
Together we will continue to offer a path to hope, healing, and a brighter tomorrow.
Grace and peace,
Church Leader Breakfast
Save the date for our Annual Church Leadership Breakfast as we share with churches our newly updated resources and information to best equip your church leaders to respond to and prevent domestic violence.
Schedule Training Today
Do you have a group that would like to learn more about domestic abuse and how to solve it as a community? We have speakers available to come to you and share about the impact of domestic abuse and how you can help those in need. All trainings are customizable to fit your organization’s needs.
It Doesn’t Have to be This Way
As masks come off, men and women trapped in abuse will need someone to talk to. The first words they hear can make a critical difference in the next steps they take. Are you ready with a response to help them find safety and freedom?
