Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence


			FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 15, 2000 CENTRAL OHIO FAITH COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO FAMILY VIOLENCE WITH "BREAK THE SILENCE" First-of-Its Kind Forum on October 31 (Columbus) – As part of a united effort to help family violence victims, central Ohio's faith community has joined with the Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence to present "Break the Silence" an Interfaith Clergy Forum on Tuesday, October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Temple Israel at 5419 East Broad Street. Approximately 200-300 Central Ohio clergy, congregation administrators and staff are expected to attend the three-hour forum, representing over 200 faiths from across Ohio. This effort is being led by Host Committee Bishop James A. Griffin, Catholic Diocese of Columbus; Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff, Temple Israel; and Reverend Jesse Wood, President, Columbus Baptist Pastors Conference. The forum is a follow up to an interfaith call to action on the family violence issue by the host committee in May 2000. This interfaith response to the family violence epidemic is the first collective response locally and among the first nationally. "The religious community must be prepared to respond to the needs of family violence victims. Once the safety concerns and critical needs of victims have been met, there also is a need to help the perpetrators of violence find the healing and help needed to change their behaviors," said Bishop James A. Griffin."The religious community must work together to provide the moral authority and impetus for the larger community's response." A recent study by the United Way of Franklin County's Safety Vision Council indicates that churches, synagogues and other places of worship are considered important sources of family violence counseling and overall communication about the issue. Further research with a local ministerial association revealed that many religious leaders feel ill equipped to provide this counsel. The purpose of the forum is to provide immediate action steps faith leaders can take to address the problem. "In response to the growing prevalence of family violence within our society, it's time for faith leaders to become more proactive in helping victims," said Reverend Jesse Wood, President, Columbus Baptist Pastors Conference. "It's no longer enough to sympathize, we have to be able to offer practical advice and provide families with resources for help." "Domestic violence has been described as a skeleton in our community's closet. It often lies hidden, and when it appears, we remain silent - or worse - deny that we have seen its face," said Rabbi Nemitoff. "The fear, sadness and hopelessness in the eyes of the women and children who live under its threat every day testify to its heinous nature and our sinful silence. On October 31 we have a chance to repent for this sin. Together we'll learn more about domestic violence and how to put into place prompt and responsive help when a member of one of our congregations shares the secret that s/he is abused." Breakout sessions will provide the opportunity to identify community resources and responses to help family violence victims. The faith groups will be challenged to identify three-five action steps that can take place immediately - like displaying family violence awareness posters and preaching against abuse from the pulpit. Each registered attendee will also receive a "toolkit" containing instructional materials, a video designed to educate congregations about family violence, and resource and referral information. "Creating places of worship that are supportive of victims of family violence is the goal of this educational forum," said Karen Days, executive director of The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence. At the conclusion of the forum, all attendees will be invited to sign a Declaration Against Family Violence symbolizing their commitment to aid victims of family violence. If you are a member of the Central Ohio clergy, a congregation administrator or staff person and need more information or would like to register for the "Break the Silence" Forum, please contact Erin Cordle at the Department of Social Concerns, Catholic Diocese of Columbus at 614-241-2540. "Break the Silence" Sponsors • Columbus Baptist Pastors Conference • The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence • Catholic Diocese of Columbus • Columbus Board of Rabbis • Beit Ohr (Lighthouse) • Greek Orthodox Cathedral, The Annunciation • Metropolitan Area Church Council • Ohio Council of Churches • Presbyterian Church (USA), Synod of the Covenant • Temple Israel • United Church of Christ • United Methodist Church, West Ohio Conference • The Nation of Islam • The Limited Inc. & Intimate Brands, Inc. "Break the Silence" Exhibitors • BRAVO • CHOICES • The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence • Franklin County Children's Services • Directions for Youth • Catholic Social Services • Jewish Family Services • Lutheran Social Services • United Way of Central Ohio • Ohio Domestic Violence Network. "Break the Silence" Abbreviated Agenda, October 31, 2000 • Opening prayer Rabbi Nemitoff, Temple Israel • Welcome by Rabbi Nemitoff, Reverend Jesse Wood, Love Zion Baptist Church and Bishop James A. Griffin, Catholic Diocese of Columbus • Overview of Family Violence,Abigail Wexner • "A Religious Perspective on Family Violence" Father Steve Dohner, Director of the Diocese of Cleveland's Office of Marriage and Family Ministries • A Domestic Violence Survivor Story • Signing of Declaration Against Family Violence Current Press Releases 2001 Press Releases 1999 Press Releases