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I am a family minister and some times I am the “first responder” in a case of domestic violence, what I should do?

April 26, 2017Case domestic violence family first responder Minister times

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I am a family minister and some times I am the “first responder” in a case of domestic violence, what I should do?

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Church minister should become familiar with the reality of domestic violence and follow the reporting requirements of their state. We also encourage church ministers to see themselves as “first responders” who: listen to and believe in the victim’s story; help the victim to assess the danger to his/herself and his/her children, and refer him/her to counseling and other specialized services. Church ministers need to hold them accountable for their behavior. They can support the abusive person as he/she seeks specialized counseling to change his/her abusive behavior. Couple counseling is not appropriate and can endanger the victim’s safety.