What does the Catholic Church tell us about domestic abuse?
My book, Don't Plant Your Seeds Among Thorns: A Catholic's Guide to Recognizing and Healing from Domestic Abuse (En Route Books and Media, 2024) provides thorough information on domestic abuse, all from a Catholic perspective. Click here to read the table of contents.
More Catholic Resources:
The USCCB's document "When I Call for Help" is a must-read document. In this article, the USCCB emphasizes the truth of domestic abuse and that it's abuse, and not divorce, that violates the marital covenant. Nobody should tolerate abuse.
"We emphasize that no person is expected to stay in an abusive marriage. Violence and abuse, not divorce, break up a marriage."
"We emphasize that no person is expected to stay in an abusive marriage. Violence and abuse, not divorce, break up a marriage."
Are you looking for a safe, secure, faith-filled support group?
In partnership with Hope's Garden, several Zoom groups are available to help with
healing, self-renewal, and safe sharing.
In partnership with Hope's Garden, several Zoom groups are available to help with
healing, self-renewal, and safe sharing.
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"Priests generally do not talk about [domestic abuse]. And most dioceses in the United States have no services, or very limited services, for victims of domestic violence," says Father Charles Dahm, who's leading a campaign in Chicago to change that. This excellent video from PBS speaks candidly on how the Catholic Church is responding to the epidemic of IPV (intimate partner violence). |
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"When you Preach ... Remember Me" is a video from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Experts in the field of domestic violence, priests who have preached about it, and women who have experienced it talk about violence against women in the home, its root causes, and its disastrous effects.
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This excellent homily from Fr. Charles W. Dahm, O.P. of Chicago is a must watch. Extremely and highly recommended! I applaud Fr. Dahm for recognizing domestic abuse in the form of extreme jealousy when one of his parishioners came to him with a complaint of the supposed "infidelity" of his wife. It is so crucial to further educate all priests and support persons within the church as to what domestic abuse looks like, the signs and tactics, and other crucial information (Fr. Dahm is the director of Domestic Violence Outreach for the Archdiocese of Chicago).
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Please contact me if you're interested in receiving more information on my trauma-informed coaching services.
Hope's Garden is a safe sanctuary for Catholic women seeking to heal from betrayal trauma and domestic abuse. We offer support groups, prayers, community interaction, and more for those who need support while remaining in their marriages, along with those who have been forced to seek divorce and annulment.
Catholics for Family and Peace is an organization full of resources and educational material designed to combat domestic violence and provide help for those struggling in abusive relationships.
Helping Victims of Domestic Violence: A document from the USCCB regarding domestic abuse and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Life Matters: Domestic Violence by Frank J. Moncher, Ph.D. from the Diocese of Arlington, VA.
From the USCCB, the podcast "Made for Love," episode 4, "When Love Means Leaving."
If you're involved in a domestic violence ministry in your parish or diocese, you may be interested in the module Catholics for Family Peace has put together to teach in marriage prep. Marriage prep.--in other words, likely before the abuse cycle has begun--is a wonderful time to teach couples about DV. Although they may not take it all in at the time (since at this stage in their relationship, engaged couples tend to be starry-eyed), it can prove to be invaluable information later.
DV Awareness Module for Catholic Marriage Prep, from Catholics for Family Peace
St. Martha's Ministry, located in St. Louis MO, helps women and children in abusive situations. They've put together an excellent PDF of information and resources. Toward Healing
Life Matters: Domestic Violence by Frank J. Moncher, Ph.D. from the Diocese of Arlington, VA.
From the USCCB, the podcast "Made for Love," episode 4, "When Love Means Leaving."
If you're involved in a domestic violence ministry in your parish or diocese, you may be interested in the module Catholics for Family Peace has put together to teach in marriage prep. Marriage prep.--in other words, likely before the abuse cycle has begun--is a wonderful time to teach couples about DV. Although they may not take it all in at the time (since at this stage in their relationship, engaged couples tend to be starry-eyed), it can prove to be invaluable information later.
DV Awareness Module for Catholic Marriage Prep, from Catholics for Family Peace
St. Martha's Ministry, located in St. Louis MO, helps women and children in abusive situations. They've put together an excellent PDF of information and resources. Toward Healing
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Here's one more video excellent from Fr. Chuck, "Always a Sin, Often a Crime." |
