Commitment Eight
Our Church trains our leaders, pastoral staff and parish councils to understand and be equipped to respond in ways that prevent and address domestic and family violence.
No training seems pleasant at the time. In fact, it seems painful. But later on it produces a harvest of godliness and peace. It does this for those who have been trained by it.
(Hebrews 12:11) [10]
Parish clergy and pastoral staff, along with chaplains, are at the front line of identifying and responding to domestic and family violence in their ministry context. Their training on these issues should start in theological college and learning should continue throughout their ministries. Church members are often ‘first responders’ in parishes and thus will also benefit from basic training to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence and to respond in love with supportive approaches.
Footnotes:
[10] Hebrews 12:11 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)