‘Call  for Help’
Conference to Look at Ways Parishes Deal with Violence

By Ray Dyer
The Sooner Catholic

OKLAHOMA CITY —  How can the faith community help put a stop to domestic violence? Prayer is always good and recommended. And  perhaps through prayer, some members of the faith community have been moved to seek a more active role in standing up to the evil that is domestic violence.

On Oct. 14, the Archdiocese Office of Family Life is hosting a statewide conference that will address domestic violence and what the faith community can and should do about this painful issue. The conference, “When I Call for Help: Domestic Violence Awareness,” will be held at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 7501 Northwest Expressway. Organizers hope parishes from throughout the state will send representatives to learn of ways the faith community can help victims and reach out to those who suffer, often in silence and often for years from physical and emotional abuse.   

This may be the first time in Oklahoma that the faith community has led such a statewide effort. And it’s not going unnoticed. Several state agencies and coalitions opposed to violence will participate in the conference. Archbishop Beltran will offer a statement on domestic violence and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson is also scheduled to address the audience. And while the Catholic Church is spearheading the effort, organizers are planning for the day to be truly an ecumenical affair. After all, domestic violence doesn’t distinguish between Catholic, Protestant, Muslim or Jew.

“As Church, I believe it is imperative that we find ways to be present to victims of abuse; whether it’s physical, sexual or psychological,” said George Rigazzi, director of the Office of Family Life. “This day is designed to inform, to challenge and to strengthen our resolve to meet the needs of these victims.”

A statement issue by The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said: “Violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified- is sinful; often, it is a crime as well.”

Susan Lepak, associate director of the Office of Family Life, has been a driving force in developing the Oct. 14 conference. Lepak credited Rep. Rebecca Hamilton with first bringing leaders of Oklahoma’s faith community together to speak out against domestic violence. Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, for two consecutive years has brought religious leaders from across Oklahoma to the state Capitol where they collectively agreed to speak out against domestic violence. Hamilton is scheduled to update the Oct. 14 conference on legislation regarding domestic violence, sexual assault and rape.

One area Lepak is especially excited for conference participants to learn about is the Safe Place Faith Communities initiative developed in San Diego, Calif. Kent Peters, Respect Life Director for the Diocese of San Diego and Deacon Glenn Vecchitto of Saint Pius X Church in San Diego will provide insight into this effort.

Deacon Vecchitto was instrumental in creating the Safe Place Faith Communities program in southern California. In existence for 18 months, the program has already helped 27 people in his parish alone.

Vecchitto said domestic violence “is a shameful issue” and that’s why it often goes unreported. He said domestic violence is usually rooted in one person seeking “power and control,” but quickly added that every individual and every case is different. Vecchitto said parishes can play a major role in helping to break the cycle of domestic violence. He said the key is training so those willing to involve themselves will understand how to help. He said Safe Place Faith Communities differs from other programs that assist victims of abuse because “we are inclusive of God.” He said faith communities are now taking a more active role in addressing domestic violence because  “we have finally admitted it happens in the faith community. It’s in every zip code,” said Deacon Vecchitto.

For more information or to register for the Oct. 14 conference contact the Office of Family Life at 405-721-8944. Lunch will be provided at no charge, but those who plan to eat at the conference are asked to call by Oct. 6 so enough food can be prepared.