Restored have launched a draft pack for churches on ending domestic abuse.

Restored, an international Christian alliance formed earlier this year (2010), is looking for churches to pilot a new resource aimed at helping churches tackle violence against women both within and outside their church.

Mandy Marshall, Co-Director of Restored, says, 'Violence against women is happening both within and outside of our churches. We know that the church can be a place of love and compassion, yet there is a need to be wise in the way we deal with relationships. This new resource aims to raise awareness of violence, equip churches to identify signs of abuse, abusive behaviour and signpost people to access the professional services available.'

Restored’s resource, the Domestic Abuse Pack for UK Churches, advises churches how to tackle stigma, how to support families who have been affected and advise on professional help available locally. It also includes tips for pastoral advice, biblical teaching and advises on how to support a local refuge. 

Peter Grant, Co-Director of Restored, says, 'This booklet is very much work in progress. We are looking for churches across the country to pilot the resource to help us hone it, so it can be as effective as possible in preventing violence against women.'

The Domestic Abuse Pack for Churches is available to download free of charge from www.restoredrelationships.org