The Role of Christian Faith Leaders in Responding to Intimate Partner Violence: A Workshop for Seminary Students

Abstract

This is a workshop guide for facilitators teaching Christian seminary or divinity school students how to prevent and respond to intimate partner violence (IPV) in their congregations. Building theoretical, theological, and practical knowledge, this workshop aims to prepare students to approach the issue of IPV from their own informed theological foundation with confident yet humble leadership, competence in their role, and an understanding of its limits. This guide begins with a description of the workshop goals and systems of evaluation. It includes the first two training sessions: Session One, “Community Building & Foundations,” focuses on building a learning community and learning basic information about trauma and domestic violence, and Session Two, “Responding to Disclosures,” builds capacity to respond to those who have experienced IPV. The remaining four sessions are previewed.