Sometimes the counselors have to be counseled. As reported in last Wednesday’s Viewpoints section, a program taking root within Hilltown churches owes its existence to a teach-in provided by the victim of domestic violence.
Her message: Customary ways in which members of the clergy try to assist families in strife can go awry when violence is present.
The unnamed woman wrote that she knows pastors usually mean well. But she questioned their advice.
“It was often suggested to me to seek couples’ counseling. I have also been told to stay in the marriage for the sake of the children,” she wrote. “Are you aware that these are some of the worst recommendations to give to a person in an abusive situation?”
And, she asked, “Do you know how to recognize behaviors that suggest someone is in a dangerous situation, even if they never speak a word about it?”
Now, they do — and that awareness will spread with the advent of the training program called “Where Hilltown Faith and Safety Meet.” This session is now being offered to parishioners and faith leaders who want to better understand domestic violence, particularly the signs of its presence. The training isn’t meant to prepare people to act as social workers, but as concerned neighbors and acquaintances.
For information on the program, contact Bev Henrichsen by email at bhenrichsen@hchcweb.org or call or text her at (413) 387-3120.
This problem affects people of all religions. “We are asking faith communities to take this issue on,” the authors of the Viewpoints essay said. It is an important message.