How Faith-Based Communities Can Help Survivors

• Develop a library of Scripture and faith-based resources and publications relating to trauma, victimization, anger, healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation. (Publications that are visible to crime and trauma victims reduce victims' fears of stigmatization and invite conversations and disclosures about traumatic events in the lives of people who are suffering.)
• Offer special educational programs and workshops on topics such as Grief and Loss, Healing, Getting Through the Holidays, Impact of Crime, Forgiveness, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Spiritual Questioning Related to Crises, etc. Invite community experts and local victim assistance staff to present topics and address specific concerns of church members.
• Identify locations in your house of worship that can be a comfortable meeting place or "compassion center," offering safety to individuals and families.
• Provide a safe place for families and friends of victims to meet privately, especially if your building is located near a courthouse. Consider providing space, volunteer support and food for family and friends awaiting the outcome of trials.
• Identify "victims in the pews" (only in general terms, unless a victim wishes or consents to be so identified by name) and provide prayer and spiritual support. Organize candlelight services or memorial services during Christmas and other religious events for homicide victims' families.
• Have a special commemorative service with prayer, scripture, and psalms related to transformation, healing, forgiveness, and the Good Samaritan during National Victims' Rights Week (the third week in April).
• Join crime prevention efforts in the community or plan a prayer walk. Plan a "How Your Church (or Faith Community) Can Help Crime Victims" community seminar, co-hosted by a local prosecutor's office, sheriff's office, or other community organization.
• Host victim support group meetings monthly in partnership with a victim assistance organization.
• Educate other church members about possible feelings, reactions, and needs of crime victims and their families. Don't forget the victim, especially if the church already has a prison ministry. Often, victims feel injured a second time by the church because they are neglected or ignored. Remember that your presence is the most powerful gift you can give to a person in pain.
• Encourage house of worship leadership to prepare and deliver sermons, psalms, and messages about evil, suffering, hope, and restoration. Learn more about traumatic grief experienced by family members of trauma victims.
• Report any suspected cases of domestic violence (including child abuse) and develop church policies to ensure victims' protection.
• Develop church policies and guidelines (and perhaps perform background checks) for the selection of any individual who works with children, to protect children and the church from potential harm and criminal liabilities.
• Learn how to respond to caregiver needs following a tragic event or prolonged exposure to crisis.
• Develop partnerships with local victim assistance programs (domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, prosecutor and law enforcement-based programs, and others that serve crime victims).

Victim Needs that Faith-based Communities Can Help Meet

• Transportation to court, hearings, or other locations;
• Child care while parents are testifying in court;
• Accompaniment to court or to parole hearings;
• Crime scene cleanup after a robbery or vandalism;
• Home visits (especially if the individual is elderly or disabled);
• Lock and safety device installation (especially after a burglary);
• Help with translation;
• Help with filling out insurance forms, victims' compensation claim forms, etc.; and
• Immediate assistance with basic needs (lodging, groceries, heat, replacement of medicine, eyeglasses, etc.).

Victim Assistance Program Support — Identify local victim assistance resources and ask what you can do to help their efforts. Many programs are in need of resources and volunteers. Domestic violence shelters may need toys and playground equipment for children who are staying at the shelter. Children in the shelter may need backpacks and school supplies so they can attend school while they are in the shelter. Some shelter rooms need refurnishing and painting, and the staff may need furniture and office equipment. In addition, local victim assistance programs located in prosecutors' and law enforcement offices may need volunteer support, equipment, educational materials, resources for children and families, emergency funds for travel, transportation or lodging, or other help.