Fortress Press

eBook-Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know

eBook-Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to KnoweBook-Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know

eBook-Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know

by Al Miles (Author)
Domestic violence is as ancient as the family unit itself. And according to the American Medical Association, one quarter of American women will be abused by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. Ministers can help care for these victims. Loving and sensitive support can make a tremendous difference to survivors as they struggle with the long and difficult process of healing and regaining trust in themselves and others. Often, however, pastoral caregivers possess the same misconceptions about domestic violence as does the uninformed public. Miles addresses the issues related to inadequate pastoral response to this pervasive problem. He explores the dynamics of abusive relationships and the role which clergy members can take to heal this painful situation.
  • Publisher Fortress Press
  • Format eBook
  • ISBN 9781451403466
  • Publication Date February 17, 2000

Endorsements

"This book speaks feelingly of the need for Christians to take their faith seriously enough to make sure that faith and Scripture are never used as weapons against victims of domestic violence, and that, victims are never forced to choose between their safety and their God. Here, through the voices of victims, batterers, pastors, and the compelling voice of the author himself, we have a prophetic call to justice and faithfulness in the Christian church. Everyone interested in responding to domestic violence from a pastoral perspective will want this book."
— Anne Marie Hunter, Executive Director of Boston Justice Ministries

"Al Miles captures the spiritual heart of the battered woman who is victimized by her partner. This book is mandatory reading for every spiritual and religious leader who wants to help victims and perpetrators heal. Pointing out the barriers to ministering to this group, Rev. Miles makes it clear that it is the responsibility of religious leaders to educate themselves so they can help their parishioners. This book tells them how to do it! Pick it up and don't put the book down until you yourself become spiritually renewed and able to help!"
— Lenore E. Walker, Psychologist

Table of Contents

  1. Foreword by Catherine Clark Kroeger
    Acknowledgments
    Preface. Clergy Notes
    Introduction: " Where Are All the Pastors"?


  2. Encouraging and Excusing Men/Blaming Women
  3. Violence against Women: Separating Fact from Myth
  4. Survivors Speak Out
  5. Once an Abuse, Always an Abuser?
  6. The Thorny Question of Forgiveness
  7. Minister to Minister

    Notes
    Appendix A. Selected Resources
    Appendix B. State Coalitions
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