“The verbal, physical, and sexual violence that women (and men) endure in some marriages contradicts the very nature of the conjugal union,” Pope Francis tells us. This page offers resources to respond immediately to the potential threat in a relationship and to begin a path to spiritual healing.
The US bishops have made it clear that “no person is expected to stay in an abusive marriage.” “Violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified.” In fact, any form of violence – physical, psychological or verbal – is sinful and often a crime. The person being assaulted needs to know that acting to end the abuse does not violate the marriage promises. Rather, it is the violence itself that violates that “contradicts the very nature of the conjugal union.” If you are a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence, you can find help.
Recommendations from San Diego Police Department
You are a victim of domestic violence, and police officers are summoned to your home. You are possibly injured, in fear, and do not know what questions to ask for further HELP! Click here for guidelines from the SD Police Department which will assist in answering those often difficult questions that you may have in your time of need.
San Diego County Domestic Violence 24 hour hotline at 1-888-DVLINKS
This 24-hour hotline is staffed with persons who can evaluate situations and make referrals for counseling, legal assistance, shelters, support groups, etc.
Your Safe Place: A Family Justice Center
Your Safe Place – A Family Justice Center provides confidential, comprehensive services to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse, sexual assault, or sex trafficking. Provides supportive services in a judgment-free manner that empowers clients to become survivors and move forward with their lives.
One Safe Place
One Safe Place – the North County Family Justice Center – provides free support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization. They provide comprehensive help in a safe and judgment-free environment which empowers people to move forward with their lives. Walk-in services are available during hours of operation.
Center for Community Solutions
The mission of the Center for Community Solutions is to end relationship and sexual violence by being a catalyst for caring communities and social justice. CCS operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego along with a countywide 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline (888-385-4657). The nonprofit agency also provides emergency domestic violence shelters, hospital and court accompaniment, as well as legal and counseling services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233
24 hours a day, seven days a week, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. Contacts to The Hotline can expect free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.
St. Luke’s Parish’s Safe Place Faith Community is a great example of a parish domestic violence ministry.
Catholics for Family Peace has created a free toolkit to enhance your efforts to address domestic abuse and violence and to promote family peace.
Pax in Familia invites you to take their online self-paced introductory course on learning how to respond to violence and abuse in Catholic families.
sdcatholic.org
