October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
SAFETY ALERT: If you are in danger, please call 911, or the National (U.S.) Domestic Violence Hotline: 1‑800‑799‑7233 or TTY 1‑800‑787‑3224.
Would you know if someone you love is a victim of domestic violence? How should you respond to someone in an abusive situation? Perhaps you are in an abusive relationship—where can you turn for help? And just what is considered “domestic violence”?
“A call to peacemaking in the context of our daily lives”
Answers to these questions, along with resources about domestic violence, are available from these organizations:
The ASPIRE News is a free app from the When Georgia Smiled: Robin McGraw Foundation that has top news stories plus essential resources for victims of domestic violence.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800 799-SAFE or 1-800-799-7233
Hotline advocates are available for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referrals to agencies in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Assistance is available in English and Spanish with access to more than 170 languages through interpreter services. (Information from www.thehotline.org)
The website contains information about domestic violence, how to know if you are in an abusive relationship, how you can help a friend, and how to develop a safety plan.
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project 
The Domestic Violence Awareness Project website provides information about domestic violence—what it is, how to determine if you or a loved one is in an abusive relationship, and how to get help or respond. Suggestions for talking with your children about healthy relationships and domestic violence, as well as raising awareness in your community are also available.
FaithTrust Institute
FaithTrust Institute is a national, multi-faith, multicultural training and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. Founded in 1977 by the Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune, FaithTrust Institute offers a wide range of services and resources, including training, consulting, and educational materials. They provide communities and advocates with the tools and knowledge needed to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse. (Information from www.faithtrustinstitute.org)
Bulletin Insert about Domestic Violence
Click on the titles of these articles from FaithTrust Institute to learn more about what individuals, religious leaders, and religious communities can do to respond to sexual and domestic violence.
What Individuals Can Do to Respond to Sexual and Domestic Violence
What Religious Leaders Can Do to Respond to Sexual and Domestic Violence