A conference aimed to prepare churches dealing with domestic violence wraps up today. Faith based groups and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) have partnered for this first ever gathering in Oconomowoc.
Debra Fields with the Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee says they’ll address questions such as, “How should churches best deal with the issues of domestic abuse and violence when a member comes forward?”
Fields says congregations have often dealt with the domestically abused through the power of prayer but are looking to aid in the physical safety of victims. This may include referring to law enforcement and potentially relocating the victim to a safer place.
The day-and-a-half long event features keynote speaker Rev. Al Miles. The Hawaii-based pastor was appointed in 2002 by the US Attorney General to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Violence against Women.