October: Standing Against Domestic Violence Together
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for churches and communities to lift their voices against abuse and affirm that God’s love never condones violence. The Women of the ELCA call on all people of faith to take action—to learn, speak up, and support those affected by domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Call: 800-799-7233
Text: BEGIN to 88788
Languages: English, Spanish, and more than 200 through interpretation services
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than one in three women and one in four menhave experienced physical violence from an intimate partner. Every minute, 20 people in the U.S. are victimized by rape, physical violence, or stalking—totaling more than 10 million women and men each year.
The Women of the ELCA remind us that faith communities play a vital role in ending violence. Congregations can provide safe spaces for survivors, model healthy relationships, and speak publicly against all forms of abuse. The church’s witness matters: silence can perpetuate harm, while compassion and advocacy can bring hope and change.
Read more and explore concrete actions your congregation can take in the Women of the ELCA’s blog post, “What can you do to end Domestic Violence?” at womenoftheelca.org/blog/news/can-end-domestic-violence
