FAITH BASED SERVICES
CAN HELP!
There are a number of opportunities that clergy
or social ministers can help with, for victims of trauma.
1. Develop a library of Scripture and faith-based resources and publications relating to
trauma, victimization, anger, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation.
2. Offer special educational programs and workshops on topics such as Grief and Loss,
Healing, Getting Through the Holidays, Impact of Crime, Forgiveness, Domestic Violence,
Child Abuse, Spiritual Questioning Related to Crises, etc.
3. Identify locations in your church or house of worship that can be a comfortable meeting
place or "compassion center" offering safety to individuals and families, or a
place for victims to meet privately, especially if your building is located near a
courthouse.
4. Identify "victims in the pews"... be aware of the dangers and consequences of
trauma (even for the quiet and seemingly "unaffected") and provide prayer and
spiritual support.
5. Organize candlelight services or memorial services during Christmas and other religious
events for homicide victims’ families with prayer, scripture and psalms related to
transformation, healing, and forgiveness (ex. during National Victims’ Rights Week -
the 3rd week in April).
6. Plan special events, such as by joining the National Night Out prevention efforts in
the community, planning a prayer walk, planning a "How Your Church (or Faith
Community) Can Help Crime Victims" community seminar, etc.
7. Host victim support group meetings monthly in partnership with a local mental health
practitioner or victim assistance organizations.
8. Educate other church members about possible feelings, reactions and needs of victims
and their families of terrorism, crime, rape or sexual abuse, or accidents or natural
disasters. Remember that your presence may be the most powerful gift you can give to a
person in pain.
12. Encourage church and house of worship leadership to prepare and deliver sermons,
psalms and messages about evil, suffering, hope and restoration.
13. Develop partnerships with local victim assistance programs (domestic violence
shelters, rape crisis centers, prosecutor and law enforcement-based programs that serve
crime victims.)
14. Offer a variety of Direct Victim Assistance Support Services, ex. Transportation,
food, etc.
15. Be sure to offer periodic programs on alcohol and drug use and abuse, and be prepared
with a list of community resources to make referrals in case of suspected alcohol or drug
dependency.
