Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know

Faith leaders and clergy gathered on June 12, 2025, for a meaningful and timely training event titled “Domestic Violence: What Every Pastor Needs to Know — Understanding, Responding, and Leading with Compassion.” Rev. Ruth Giraldo Mangual, associate regional pastor, and the ABCNJ Sacred Safe Space Team (Rev. Michelle Jones, Sayda Calix, Rev. Valerie Pyles, Luis and Letty Lopez) led this session. 

Too often, domestic violence remains hidden in silence, shame, or misunderstanding, even within the church. Held at the ABCNJ regional office, this powerful training was designed to equip leaders with essential tools to recognize signs of domestic abuse, respond appropriately, and support survivors in a way that reflects Christ’s love and justice. 

Rooted in both scripture and best practices, the training highlighted the vital role clergy play in recognizing signs of abuse, supporting survivors, and creating safe, informed church environments. The session started with a warm welcome and an opportunity to connect with God’s heart for justice and compassion. Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Those who attended engaged in exploring:

• The reality of domestic violence and how it shows up in faith communities
• The theological and pastoral challenges it presents
• Practical ways your ministry can be a refuge for survivors
• How to respond to disclosures of abuse in trauma-informed and survivor-centered ways
• The importance of referrals, boundaries, and partnerships with professionals
• Case study
• As a Pastor and leader, what not to do and the correct approaches
• Creating and maintaining church policies that protect and empower victims

What made this training especially impactful was the open dialogue and shared stories, highlighting the urgent need for churches to be places of healing rather than harm. Participants expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to learn, reflect, and commit to making their ministries safer for everyone — especially survivors who often suffer in silence.

We look forward to offering more trainings like this in the future as we continue to equip the Church to be a sacred, safe space filled with compassion, love, justice, and restoration.



Becoming an ABCNJ Sacred Safe Spaces Covenant Church is one way you can be an advocate and agent of healing. For more information, please contact the Rev. Ruth Giraldo-Mangual at rmangual@abcnj.net