FPAFV Resources

Several different types of trainings and workshops are available to you as a faith community:

Half-Day Seminars

Occasionally FPAFV will hold a half-day seminar at Associated Ministries’ facilities for faith leaders around domestic violence issues. The last one held was about how to minister to perpetrators of domestic violence.

On-Site Workshops

Youth groups, singles groups, congregations sometimes request on-site workshops, in which one or two FPAFV representatives present a dynamic and brief domestic violence 101 training. 

Volunteer Domestic Violence Chaplain Training

The Chaplaincy is FPAFV's sister program that provides spiritual support and counseling to those affected by domestic violence.  Volunteer chaplains are trained through Faith Partners and then serve at least one day a month at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center in Downtown Tacoma.  The Domestic Violence Chaplaincy helped approximately 150 men and women seeking solace from domestic abuse in 2006. 

Trainings are open to clergy, lay leaders, and members of congregations from all faiths. The next training will be held sometime in January 2007. 

Module Series

The Module Training Series takes place over a series of days which are arranged by interested faith groups and FPAFV.  The design of the modules is based on the following principles:

• Helping to increase the safety for victims and their children.
• Holding perpetrators of domestic violence – NOT the victims – accountable for the abuse and for stopping it.
• Being willing to look at our own behaviors and practices and make changes that will improve our faith community’s response to domestic violence.

We have tried to make these modules as flexible as possible, from their design to their content. We are not attempting to ask any person to change their belief system or theological perspective; rather, we ask people to incorporate domestic violence into their everyday thinking and reflect on how actions and words impact batterers, victims, and children.

Module 1

What is Domestic Violence?

We recommend every group use this module as a base for the remaining modules. It is to help participants better understand domestic violence and the dynamics of violent relationships to dispel common myths, and to understand the barriers to ‘just leaving.’  Training topics include:

• Creation of Safe Space
• Victim Story
• Myths about Domestic Violence
• Definition of Domestic Violence
• Barriers to Ending Abusive Relationships
• Dynamics of an Abusive Relationship
• Perpetrators
• Impact on Children

Module 2

Impact on Children of Witnessing Violence

This module helps participants to understand the many ways in which children experience domestic violence, what their reactions may be, and how to intervene and help children stay safe.

• Creation of Safe Space
• PSA Video of Child on Stairs
• Statistics on Children Living with Abuse
• Behavioral and Emotional Problems
• Cognitive Functioning and Attitudes
• Longer Term Problems
• Witnessing Domestic Violence vs. Child Abuse
• Effects of Domestic Violence on Children
• Intervention Tools and Skills
• Safety Planning with Children

Module 3

Biblical and Theological Issues

This module examines how sacred texts and theology have been used to support a culture of abuse, and how they can also be used to challenge family violence and promote healing and liberation. Resources specifically designed for clergy to use in worship setting have been included.

• Introduction
• Judeo-Christian Texts and Themes (Hebrew and Christian Scriptures)
• Christian Myths about Sexual and Domestic Abuse
• Jewish Perspectives on Domestic Violence (Readings and resources)
• Islamic Perspectives on Domestic Violence (Readings and resources)
• Examples of Christian Orders of Service and Litanies
• Bibliographies

Module 4

Faith Community Family Peace Planning

This module is designed to increase participants’ skills in responding to domestic violence victims and perpetrators, and to help participants identify how they can work to create safe communities for victims within their congregations.

• Group Introductions and the Creation of Safe Space
• Worship
• Individual Responses to Perpetrators
• Working to Create a Safe Faith Community
• Clergy Extras
• Closing / Moment of Reflection