By Barbara Fisher-Townsend and Cathy Holtmann

One of the chief goals of the RAVE (Religion and Violence e-Learning) Project is building bridges between faith-based and secular advocates (the steeple and the shelter) who share the common goal of ending domestic violence. But attempts to bring people to the collaborative table regarding this issue are often met with resistance due to mistrust on the part of both secular advocates and clergy members. We are increasingly finding that easily accessible research, best practices information, online training, practical examples of helping strategies, and data-based stories of both those impacted by violence and those who wish to help them, can assist in breaking down barriers and in facilitating collaboration. All of this information allows people to step back, examine the perspectives of others, perhaps put aside stereotypical views and concentrate again on the common goal of assisting all those impacted by domestic violence.  We are pleased to report here on one recent example of community outreach that was successful in bringing together a number of relevant constituent groups in our geographic proximity. 

The RAVE Project was on the road this spring. In collaboration with the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, we conducted four lunch-and-learn sessions around the province of New Brunswick in the cities of Saint John, Sussex, Moncton, and Woodstock. 

Participants for the Saint John lunch-and-learn were keen to learn more about the RAVE Project. The presentation by Nancy Nason-Clark and Steve McMullin was interspersed with many questions and comments from those present. While the group of thirty people ranged from shelter workers to United Church clergy to Catholic nuns, other constituencies were noticeably absent.  One woman in the audience remarked that she liked the fact that we interspersed the term “victim” and “survivor” in our presentation and on the website. She said that based on her own experience of abuse, sometimes she felt like a victim and other times like a survivor. Both identities were real to her and had ongoing meaning for her. There appeared to be substantial interest in the colorful folders containing print versions of some of the RAVE web pages as well as a copy of the DVD, When Love Hurts: Understanding and Healing Domestic Abuse.  Three participants each won a folder in the draw at the end of the session. 

About twenty women and men attended the session at the Sussex Public Library. Lively discussion followed the presentation by Barbara Fisher-Townsend and Cathy Holtmann on the resources available on the site, particularly on the necessity for a community response to domestic violence. Participants recognized the risks involved in addressing issues of violence in a rural context and that the support of the entire community is needed, including health-care professionals, social workers, teachers, clergy, shelter workers and police. Clergy from several different churches were present and remarked that more clergy need to learn about these issues. It was suggested that the ministerial committee in Sussex take a closer look at the issue of domestic violence. A couple of people mentioned the need for RAVE Project print materials (a small poster perhaps) for libraries, shelters, and community access centers that would help direct people to our site. A good place to put up such a poster, once it’s developed, is in washroom stalls where privacy and safety are ensured. 

The Crowne Plaza Hotel was the site for our Moncton lunch-and-learn, hosted by Lanette Ruff and Barb. Session participants represented a variety of constituencies—victim/survivors, clergy members (mostly from the United Church), community advocates, therapists, and interested faith community members. The meeting began with a PowerPoint presentation of our latest research information and then moved on to a demonstration of the RAVE website. As various sections of the site were highlighted, participants interacted with helpful questions and comments. These focused on issues such as churches as safe places to disclose abuse, definitions of abuse, female violence, the impact of batterer intervention programs and the need for widespread distribution of our RAVE materials. Following the completion of session evaluation forms, three names were drawn to receive a copy of our kit folder. As the session ended, participants seemed reluctant to leave, with many lingering to speak with each other and with the RAVE team members about issues raised during the session. There was certainly evidence of important bridge building between the advocate community and clergy members and between the RAVE team and all the participants.

Lanette and Steve hosted the final RAVE lunch-and-learn session, held in Woodstock. Attendance in Woodstock surpassed that at the other venues, perhaps due to local media coverage prior to the event, with thirty-nine women and one man attending.  Discussion began quite spontaneously as the presentation progressed. At first people asked questions and then became more involved in contributing to the discussion. Questions were about topics such as the use of the word “submission” among evangelical churches and the lack of support from women in such churches for women who divorce.  Discussion ensued about how to change the attitude of church women toward women who have been divorced because they left abusive marriages.  

As a result of the RAVE lunch-and-learn series, over one hundred and thirty New Brunswickers from a variety of constituencies involved in responding to domestic violence were introduced to faith-based resources that can help them with their work. Now they can access these resources any time via computer.  With simply three clicks of a mouse, a pastor can help a victim of violence find the nearest shelter or a social worker can find prayers to help comfort a woman of faith as she journeys toward healing and wholeness. We are confident that all of those who attended the sessions will pass on the news of the RAVE Project and thus continue to widen the circle of those who feel better equipped to respond to domestic violence in families of faith. 

For more information on the RAVE Project, visit our site at www.theraveproject.org.