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"Violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. Violence in any form-physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal is sinful; often, it is a crime as well." USCCB, When I Call for Help, 2002.

The Catholic Bishops of the United States affirmed their stance against domestic violence, and their support for victims of domestic violence, in their 2002 statement, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, an updated version of their 1992 statement. The statement:

  • Addresses abused women, men who abuse, and pastors and pastoral staffs
  • Offers updated statistics, resources and information about domestic violence (updated again in 2016)
  • Includes practical suggestions for dioceses and parishes based on actual experiences

When I Call for Help Resources

Resources for Priests, Deacons, and Pastoral Staffs

Homily Concerning Domestic Violence by Bishop Mark E. Brennan

Homily Concerning Domestic Violence by Bishop Mark E. Brennan

Delivered at the Vigil Mass in Observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October 3, 2020. The Mass was co-hosted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life, & Youth.

Additional Resources