Be a Resource

Yes, pray for her, but don't just send her back home. Instead, make the victim aware of the network of resources available to help. Reassure the victim that your church is one of those resources. You will be there to pray for this family and help them through this. The victim may also need medical care, legal advice, a restraining order for protection, food and clothing, a cell phone, and other resources. Make sure you know how to connect victims with these basic needs. Establish a church emergency fund for domestic violence victims that can be used to pay for a hotel room, urgent care at the hospital, food, clothing, and other immediate needs. Remember, you're part of a first-responder network, so be prepared. Make sure your first-responder team has a system, so they can go right into action when a victim needs help. Give your team an easy-to-follow checklist, so they know exactly what they are to do, whom to contact, and how to reach them.