1. Break the silence surrounding members of the faith community who are experiencing abuse in their homes and relationships (this can begin by having the presence of victims/survivors and abusers acknowledged in sermons, prayer services, etc.)

2. Become a safe place where domestic violence victims will come for help. Post information on local crisis and intervention services for victims and abusers. Publicize the National DV Hotline #: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

3. Stop the abuse. If domestic violence is suspected, speak to each person in the relationship separately. Help the victim plan for safety. Hold the abuser accountable for changing controlling or abusive behaviors. Do not attempt couples counseling.

4. Get help for the victim(s) and abuser. Know how to contact the local-area domestic violence advocacy, sexual assault advocacy, and perpetrator intervention programs.

5. Support families broken by domestic violence materially and emotionally as they rebuild their lives. Assist them to meet their physical needs re: transportation, food, clothing, or rent. Emotionally, assist the domestic partners in reconciling the relationship or mourning its loss.

6. Become an informed faith community, utilizing speakers and resources in the greater community. Learn how to recognize the signs of abuse. Provide many ways for members to better understand and respond to domestic violence and teen relationship violence.

7. Provide personal safety information to children and teens in religious education settings and youth groups.

8. Promote mutual, egalitarian relationships between domestic partners. Routinely include information about domestic violence in marriage preparation classes. Implement a screening process for domestic violence prior to doing any couples counseling.

9. Encourage changing social norms associated with partner violence and changing beliefs about the need for help.

10. Speak out and lead by example. Talk about domestic violence and sexual assault from the pulpit. Volunteer to serve on committees, board of directors, or a task force for county domestic violence prevention/intervention organizations.

"None of us helpers should ever put a battered woman in the position of having to choose between her safety and the support of her religious community. She needs both the safety and support of her church or synagogue, and it's up to us to provide that." Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune