Church hosts workshop on domestic violence
"Until Death Do Us Part: How the Church Should Respond to Domestic Violence" is the topic of a free workshop being held on Tuesday, May 18, at St. Lawrence Church in Libertyville. The workshop is being presented by the 19th Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council (FVCC) Faith Committee and the College of Lake County.
It is designed for church leaders who may know members of their faith communities who struggle with domestic violence, yet may not understand or know how to intercede and help families facing this type of crisis. The workshop will provide participants with an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, help identify the "red flags" in dangerous relationships and provide tools to handle domestic violence situations within the church in a safe, God-honoring way.
The presenters will include Mark Hunter, a 25-year veteran of law enforcement and a church elder, who trains statewide and nationally on the issue of domestic violence and the church response. Also presenting will be Betsy O'Connell from A Safe Place, a shelter for battered women and their children, serving Lake County.
The workshop will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 pm. at St. Lawrence Church, 125 W. Church St. in Libertyville. The workshop is free and includes a free copy of Mark Hunter's book "Until Death Do Us Part." CEUs for social workers are also available at no additional charge.
Seating is limited, and advance registration is required by Friday, May 14. This workshop will provide valuable information for clergy, women's ministry team leaders or members, adult education leaders, parish nurses, church secretaries and administrative assistants, or anyone in a congregation with whom a battered woman may confide.
For information or to register, contact Nila Grahl by calling (847) 543-2315 or e-mailing ngrahl@clcillinois.edu. The 19th Judicial Circuit FVCC is funded through a grant from the Illinois Family Violence Coordinating Councils. Illinois is the only state with Family Violence Coordinating Councils in each judicial circuit.