Violence Against Women
Violence in intimate relationships
Domestic violence is a pattern of violent behaviors used to control an intimate partner that crosses all economic, social and cultural boundaries. It may be physical, but it may also take on more subtle forms such as emotional, verbal, or financial intimidation and control.
We are all called to denounce and combat domestic violence and encourage greater awareness in our congregations and communities (ELCA Social Policy Resolution “Violence Against Women,” 1995).
Resources
Domestic Violence informational poster 
Domestic Violence informational poster, alternate version
Print, fill out information and post this poster in restrooms and other accessible locations at churches, laundromats, community organizations, etc. Poster includes national hotline for domestic violence, teen dating, child and elder abuse numbers and spaces for local resources, including state hotlines and shelters and other resources. Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline
page for help filling out your local resources information.
Ministry with the Abused publication 
This resource provides information on domestic and intimate partner violence in the United States and Canada. Use this resource to learn more and raise awareness to help make your congregations and communities safer places for families to thrive. (versión en español
)
Domestic Violence Awareness month bulletin insert 
Use this bulletin insert on a Sunday during the month of October to help raise awareness about domestic violence. (versión en español
)
Domestic Violence Awareness general insert
Use this bulletin insert on any Sunday during the year.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month worship resources 
Use these worship resources during the month of October to help raise awareness. The resource includes topical readings, hymns and prayers, and ELCA documents for study and guidance. (versión en español
)
Lutheran Theology Facing Sexual and Domestic Violence
Written by Mary Pellauer, Ph.D., this booklet
provides an introductory Lutheran theological analysis on intimate partner violence. Please contact us for hard copies. (versión en español
)
Links
FaithTrust Institute
www.faithtrustinstitute.org
Founded in 1977 by the Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune, FaithTrust is a leader in educational, faith-based domestic violence resources, including trainings and consultations. Dedicated to multicultural and interfaith work, FaithTrust helps groups gain the tools and knowledge necessary to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.thehotline.org
or www.ndvh.org
The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24-hour services every day, including crisis intervention, information and referrals. The Hotline links to over 5,000 shelters and programs and offers assistance in over 170 languages, as well as a TTY line. Visit their website for more information on domestic violence in general.
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
www.loveisrespect.org
The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline is available 24-hours a day, and instant chat with peer counselors is available from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. The website is excellent for youth and young adults who want to learn more about healthy relationships. Quizzes, toolkits and videos for young people are provided here, too.