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	The Mask of Reputation Dallas Morning News September 24, 2007 http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-domviolence_24edi.ART.State.Edition1.420008e.html She made her national reputation with "No More Sheets," a thunderous sermon in Dallas that called on women to reject promiscuity and embrace an ethic of self-respect and sexual restraint, just as she had done. Essence magazine later said that the celebrated jeremiad "spawned a revolution among black women." Her success made her one of the country's most prominent evangelists and led to a televised dream wedding in 2003 to a fellow preacher. And now, Juanita Bynum, the prophetess of true love, female empowerment and traditional marriage, is also a battered wife. Her husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks III, stands charged with felony aggravated assault after an August altercation outside an Atlanta hotel. He blames the devil. Faith has been a source of healing, help and overcoming for countless souls, but faith's power also can conceal and enable abuse. It's human nature to want to believe that religious leaders have risen above ordinary failings. That's how it should work. But as we see over and over, it's all too easy for the faithful – men and women both – to refuse to see warning signs of abuse, sometimes because the cost of confronting them seems too high. Nothing justifies accepting abuse – no religious teaching, no fear of losing place, community, wealth or reputation. Nothing. Ms. Bynum told The New York Times last week that she was startled to learn that domestic abuse is a huge problem. "It kind of brought my head out of the sand of the church in that sense, and I said, 'Wait a minute, nothing will change if we don't bring about social change.' " Juanita Bynum's first act was teaching women how to quit being victims and heal their broken hearts. May her next act be teaching women how to quit being victims and heal their broken bones. LOCAL RESOURCES If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available locally. Women's shelters These organizations provide a safe place to live for victims of domestic violence and their children on a temporary basis. Brighter Tomorrows, 972-262-8383 Genesis Shelter, 214-942-2998 Mosaic Family Services, 214-823-4434 New Beginnings, 972-276-0057 Salvation Army, 214-424-7208 The Family Place, 214-941-1991 Emergency medical care Call the Violence Intervention & Prevention Center at Parkland Hospital during business hours at 214-590-2926. Help is available after hours by coming to the Parkland emergency room or by calling 214-590-8000 and asking for the caseworker.
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