Living Word Baptist Church

Denton County Friends of the Family representatives Jennifer Mize and Tiffanie Coleman were sponsored by Living Word Baptist Church to present an interactive training event on the dynamics of relationship violence. The seminar included suggestions for what the clergy and community can do to respond appropriately to relationship violence when identified in the church.

Persons who struggle with life situations in themselves or those they love have typically experienced various forms of violence and trauma. It is not uncommon for those who survive an abusive relationship to ask, "Why did this happen to me?" "What gives them the right to hurt me?" "What did I do to deserve this?" "If I'm getting hurt, will they also hurt my children?" These questions are at the heart of our communities and congregations.

These representatives of Friends of the Family taught us about:

• The definition of relationship violence
• What the Law says about relationship violence
• Myths and facts about relationship violence
• Statistics
• Indicators and warning signs
• Power/Control Wheel and tactics used by abusers
• Effects of abuse on children

To help us contribute to the solution, the seminar taught us:

• What individuals involved in the clergy can do
• What a congregation and individuals in our community can do

This is a growing problem in our area and we need to know how to address it. However, it is only in Jesus Christ that we find hope!