RELIGIOUS AND FAITH BASED CHURCHES AND ORGANIZATIONS CALLED ON TO RESPOND TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

April 14, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

From:  Dennis Arakaki, Hawaii Family Forum / Hawaii Catholic Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

An ecumenical network of various faiths and faith communities have been called and challenged to respond to the growing problem of domestic violence in communities across the state.

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The chairs of the Senate and House Human Services Committees, Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, and Representative John Mizuno, in collaboration with the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, The Interfaith Alliance of Hawaii and the Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Catholic Conference, are convening a conference of religious leaders and faith communities at the State Capitol on Saturday, April 18, 2009, from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm, to provide them with an overview of the dynamics of domestic violence and to determine the ability and willingness of churches and religious organizations to respond to Domestic Violence, especially for those victims who are seeking a way out of abusive relationships.

“The current economic crisis has and will continue to contribute to increased risks for families to be victimized by domestic violence while at the same time, government budget shortfalls diminish the ability of agencies and organizations in our communities to respond to and provide services to the victims who wish to escape their situations,” according to Arakaki.   “The answer to the dilemma may be in churches and other religious organizations that may be willing to stand in the gap to provide a spectrum of responses, from providing a “Safe Haven” to victims and their families, to information and referral services, or at minimum, a “Care Package” of food, clothing, toiletries and funds to those who are escaping an abusive situation with only the clothing on their backs,” Arakaki added.

The conference is meant to provide an overview of the problem of domestic violence, provide examples of churches that are already delivering services and programs, discuss safety, ethical and liability issues and the skills and resources needed to provide an appropriate response to victims.  The conference features a keynote address by Pastor Al Miles, who coordinates the Hospital Ministry at Queen’s Medical Center and a recognized author of books dealing with domestic violence and the church.  Reverend Miles is familiar with the kinds of responses that churches and clergy can provide to address and even confront the issues of domestic violence.

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