Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence


			FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 04, 2000 THE LIMITED & INTIMATE BRANDS, INC. CO-SPONSOR "BREAK THE SILENCE" INTERFAITH FORUM Local Business Helps Central Ohio Faith Community Respond to Family Violence First-of-Its Kind Forum to Be Held in Columbus on October 31 (Columbus) – As family violence continues to spill over into every aspect of daily life, one Central Ohio business has joined with Central Ohio's faith leaders and 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 Central Ohio clergy, congregation administrators and staff are expected to attend the three-hour forum, representing a variety of religious denominations from across Ohio. "Domestic violence knows no boundaries," said Al Dietzel, Vice President Public Affairs The Limited & Intimate Brands, Inc. "That's why we have to ensure that there are resources in place whether the victim seeks help at their workplace or at their place of worship. This faith initiative joins the business, healthcare, legal and victim services initiatives and task forces the Coalition already has in place. Our goal is to cover all fronts so we can defeat this terrible societal ill." The "Break the Silence" Forum is remarkable in its unity and its uniqueness as it's the first collective religious response to domestic violence in Central Ohio and perhaps the first of its kind anywhere in the nation. It demonstrates Central Ohio's religious leaders' commitment to speaking out against abuse and educating the public that members of the clergy are resources for victims of family violence. This effort is being led by Host Committee Bishop James A. Griffin, Catholic Diocese of Columbus; Abigail Wexner, founder and Board President of The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence; 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. "By breaking the silence about domestic violence - a silence that has lasted far too long - we can begin calming the storm," said Bishop Griffin. "I cannot say enough what this means to our community. When peace begins at home, we can begin calming the storms of all violence - the violence of crime, of hatred, and of prejudice to name just a few. There is indeed a lot of work to do, and the time to begin is now." 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. "This faith initiative is exactly the kind of challenge The Coalition was created to take on, especially when such a large gap exists between victims' needs and clergy's ability to meet those needs," said Abigail Wexner, founder and Board Chair of The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence. "Collaborating with local faith communities allows us to make real systemic changes by supporting those who are in a position to help victims." "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." "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. "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 during the Forum 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. 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. 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. Walk-in registrations on the day of the Forum are welcome. "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