Welcome to MCADSV's Faith Link!
This section of the website has been created for faith leaders and those within faith communities who have an interest in ending domestic and sexual violence and in responding with knowledge and compassion to survivors. These resources have been compiled by Bonnie Nicholas, a student Intern at MCADSV from September 2005 through May 2006. To find out more about Bonnie click here.
Disclaimer:
The resources on this website are not exhaustive. It is presented 'as is', incomplete, with the thought that something is better than nothing; and the hope that it will act as a helpful starting point for further efforts.
There is a great need for representation from all faith communities and a need for all faith communities to be involved in these efforts. Input to make the link more balanced and inclusive of different faith communities is very welcome.
How to use this website and these resources:
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Browse, read and learn to become familiar with the issue. This is not an exhaustive link, but hopefully there will be resources here that will help you build knowledge and give you ideas for how your faith community may want to respond.
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Gather others from your faith community to form a committee that can learn and grow together to act as a resource and a catalyst for change efforts within your community of faith.
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All resources posted to this site may be reproduced for personal use and may be given away free of charge when proper credits are included.
If you have further questions or concerns about this link, or if you know of other helpful resources to add, please feel free to contact Tammy Lemmer at MCADSV by calling (517) 347-7000, ext. 27.
The Michigan Resource Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence is a library of resources that can be checked out free of charge and can also be shipped anywhere in the state. The Resource Center library owns many faith based resources including books, videos and training materials. Melissa Limon, the Resource Center Coordinator is also a valuable resource and would be happy to help you find what you need. She may be contacted by calling (517) 381-4663 and the Resource Center's website can be found here.
Definition of the Problem:
Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of coercive behaviors used to establish control over an intimate partner through fear, intimidation, emotional abuse, and social isolation; often including the use of or threat of physical or sexual violence. Sexual violence is a broad term that can be applied to physical, emotional or verbal behavior. It can include sexual harassment, incest, sexual exploitation as well as rape or sexual assault. There is much overlap in domestic and sexual violence; domestic violence presupposes an ongoing intimate relationship.
The following resources provide basic informational material and are a good place to begin learning more about the issue of domestic and sexual violence, including how it affects faith communities.
Why involve the faith community?
It is our belief that the involvement of the faith community is critical in efforts to respond to the problem of domestic and sexual violence and is often a missing piece in coordinated community efforts. For a discussion of some reasons why, please read:
Taking Action:
Many of these resources are from a day-long training at MCADSV which was facilitated by Transforming Communities Technical Assistance, Training and Resource Center and held March 16, 2006. The event was attended by service providers and advocates working in team partnerships with faith leaders from various locations throughout Michigan. Contact MCADSV to find out more about membership options and future training opportunities.
Voices of Survivors:
The following submissions are written by survivors, survivors to whom we are very grateful, survivors who have shown great courage in sharing their voices to give insight to others and help others gain understanding. These personal stories include faith or faith communities in a significant way. If you would like to add your voice to the 'voices of survivors' please contact Bonnie Nicholas or Tammy Lemmer via MCADSV's offices at (517) 347-7000.
Additional Resources:
