Domestic
violence turns loving relationships into situations of violence, fear and
control. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) finds that 1 in 4 women and 1 in
7 men in the US suffer, and countless children witness this violence.
While
law enforcement obviously has a critical role to play in protecting victims,
the Church has a role to play as well.
First,
we must pray for the victims and their children. Our parishes must also
make people aware of this problem and encourage victims to ask for help. In
our Diocese, there are Catholic counselors and domestic violence shelters to
provide safety and support for victims, and to assist victimizers if they seek
help.
Violence
should never be viewed as “normal.” As the Body of Christ, our Church stands ready
to assist when one of our members is in need.
Through
the intercession of St. Monica, patron saint of abuse victims, may our homes be
places where spouses are safe, families are stable, and those with emotional
suffering are offered relief and counsel.