Domestic Violence & Abuse

Domestic violence and abuse is never the fault of the victim. The dignity of the human person calls us to respect and defend every vulnerable person, to comfort and heal wounds, and to invite everyone into the freedom and peace of the children of God.
 
If you know someone who needs help, call the Domestic Violence Hotline 
1-800-799-SAFE (24 hours) or visit TheHotline.org
The hotline will refer you to shelters and resources for immediate assistance.
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call 911. For information about child abuse, please visit Protecting Our Children .

More Resources:
RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline
LA County Domestic Violence Support Services
Catholic Charities Good Shepherd Shelter
Alexandria House Shelter

Counseling
After experiencing trauma, it’s important to find a listening ear. Many shelters have trained counseling staff available. You also may find counseling through:
Department of Mental Health |  CatholicTherapists.com |  CatholicPsych.com

Made in His Image
MadeInHisImage.com
MIHI is a ministry and blog to foster hope and healing, and to empower women to turn from victim to survivor. Their goal is to educate all women on the nature and dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God.

When I Call for Help
USCCB Statement
The US bishops have written a statement on domestic violence, especially addressing violence against women.

Catholics For Family Peace Education and Research Initiative
This is part of the National Catholic School of Social Service’s Consortium for Catholic Social Teaching at the Catholic University of America.
More information + resources​​

More Resources 
Peace Over Violence (formerly LACAAW): (213) 626-3393, (626) 793-3385 or (310) 392-8381
Rape Treatment Center (Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center): 1-800-656-HOPE or 1-800-656-4673
East Los Angeles Women’s Center: 1-800-585-6231 or (323) 526-5819
Project Sister: (626) 966-4155
YWCA Greater Los Angeles :  1-877-943-5778
Valley Trauma Center:   (818) 886-0453

Educate Yourself and Your Parish with Angelus News Articles

• The Church’s crucial role in responding to domestic violence
• How parishes can help address the epidemic of domestic abuse
• ‘I’d be something else right now’ – How Angie Flores found community at Alexandria House
• Violence within the home affects the entire community
• Sexual exploitation can happen without a family noticing
• Catholic University of America releases toolkit to fight domestic violence
• Domestic abuse – the epidemic no one is talking about in parishes
• You probably know someone who’s been domestically abused
• What the Church has done about sex abuse
• April raises awareness about the tragedy of sexual violence
• Helping community members suffering through domestic violence and abuse
• Beauty in suffering: How one woman is fighting the stigma of therapy
• Virtus training: ‘more eyes out there’ to prevent child sexual abuse