Total Credits:1.25including1.25 American Psychological Association,1.25 Association of Social Worker Boards,1.25 National Board of Certified Counselors,1.25 California Board of Registered Nurses
Individuals experiencing abuse often first disclose to informal support networks, including faith leaders. However,
faith leaders and religious communities often have little training on how to respond to abuse and are unprepared
for these conversations. This presentation will review research statistics on clergy response and then discuss ways
to engage with faith leaders, encourage them to create safer faith communities, and collaborate for the benefit of
victims and survivors. We will discuss cultivating and nurturing connections with faith communities, the ethical
integration of faith and practice, how to approach the topic of domestic violence policy in congregations, and how
survivor spirituality can help empower healing and hope.
