Resources
Domestic Violence Handbook for Pastoral Workers
The Domestic Violence Handbook is designed especially for Lutheran pastors and other pastoral care workers. It is a ‘field manual’ to support you when confronted with one of the more difficult issues in your pastoral ministry – domestic violence.
This handbook provides basic information on the nature of domestic and family violence and appropriate pastoral responses.
Video: a conversation with Angela Mayer
Have you ever had concerns that a friend or a loved one might be experiencing domestic and family violence? Have you ever felt unsure as to what to say or do to support that person? This video will give you some ideas about how to talk with your friend or loved one and tips to keep them and you safe and connect to supports. Helen Lockwood has a conversation with Angela Mayer, who has worked in the area of domestic and family violence for many years and has helped community members and professional counsellors to recognise domestic and family violence and respond appropriately.
You might also find this resource from the Safe and Together Institute helpful. It is an excellent guide to being an ally to someone experiencing domestic and family violence. Click here to download it.
Domestic violence: getting the facts podcast
Professor Sarah Wendt has dedicated her life to understanding the impacts of domestic violence and hearing the stories of victims and survivors in Australia. In Lutheran Media's Messages of hope podcast episode, Sarah shares her insights from personal stories about the causes and effects of domestic and family violence, and where we may find hope.
'Has God abandoned me?' booklet
Lutheran Media has a booklet designed to answer questions and help you understand domestic violence.
Other resources
The Lutheran: shining a light on domestic and family violence
The April–May 2024 edition of The Lutheran featured stories from fellow Lutherans who’ve experienced or witnessed abuse and advice on how to bring light and love into the lives of those who are suffering.
I wish I’d known more … a pastor’s reflections on family violence
Early in my ministry, I was asked to conduct Alison and Tony’s wedding. Alison and her family were long-time members of my congregation, while Tony had moved to the area for work.
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Jane’s story
When we think of domestic and family violence, many of us might think that this criminal behaviour could not and would not exist within the families of our churches: that this horrible issue is a dark stain on the lives of people we don’t know … not people like us.
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How can I be a better bystander?
We all find ourselves, at some time, as a bystander to uncomfortable or confronting situations.
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Dwelling in God’s word: lifting the veil of silence
Have you ever heard stories of violence or abuse from your community or from within your family? These stories are often hidden and rarely talked about. People who have suffered abuse, violence or controlling behaviours are often silenced and ashamed.
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Learning can help bring change
Some years ago, God led me to work in men’s behaviour change programs and, through the people I met, I became passionate about working to improve the lives of families experiencing domestic violence.
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