OHIO
The Columbus Dispatch
By Danae King
The Columbus Dispatch • Friday January 13, 2017
Carol Igo was concerned about the prevalence of violence against children and wondered how her church could help, but she didn’t know where to start.
That’s when she heard of the Center for Family Safety and Healing, a Columbus organization focused on addressing family violence. She found out that the church she attends, Maple Grove United Methodist Church, could donate to the center and take advantage of its training program to educate church members.
“It’s a very loving church, an outreach church, a community-oriented church,” Igo said. “This was kind of a natural step for them.”
The Clintonville church formed a committee to gather books and toys that the center then gives to children who have been abused. It also hosted center staff members for training on family violence to educate the congregation on the issue. The center has completed 34 training sessions for faith organizations since 2014, said Sheryl Clinger, director of advocacy, policy and community engagement.
It’s important to train church members and leaders because a religious organization can be a central part of ensuring victims’ safety, as victims of family violence sometimes report abusive situations to trusted faith leaders, said Caitlin Tully, training supervisor at the center.
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