Creating a Safe Haven: Domestic Violence Church Certification Program
Why participate in the Creating a Safe Haven Church Certification Program?
At Safe Haven, we understand how difficult it can be to support a victim-survivors of domestic abuse, but we also understand the important role the church plans in supporting those affected by this type of violence.
Did you know that survivors of domestic violence are more likely to disclose their experience with abuse to pastors and ministry leaders than any other helping profession?
Our certificate program creates a safe space for faith leaders to develop supportive skills, create concrete response plans, and feel supported in times of crisis.
This training is applicable for pastors and ministry leaders, but also lay individuals that are called to learn more and provide more support in times of crisis.
“Pastors tend to ignore domestic violence if they can. Having been a pastor before I became a chaplain, I understand why, remembering my own discomfort. I felt unsure of what to do and fearful of making a bad situation worse. It was so easy to do nothing.”
-Rev. Kathryn Willoughby Weed
Church Certification
Creating a Safe Haven is the first-of-its-kind program designed to help faith communities receive comprehensive domestic violence training develop a plan for how they would respond in cases of domestic violence in their congregation. The certification process ensures that leadership and lay people of the church have the tools they need to work with an individual or family faced with this crisis. It also helps them develop policies and procedures on how to respond if someone in the congregation or staff is a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence.
Core Components
There are two primary components of the certification program:
- In-person training: An opportunity for pastors and ministry to develop tangible skills and knowledge. We know your time is valuable, we have perfected a one-day training that will leave you more confident and prepared in your response and prevention of domestic violence.
- Domestic Violence Response Plan: Rooted in policy and procedures, Safe Haven will design and train you on your domestic violence response plan. This plan will ensure that should you encounter an issue involving domestic violence, you are equipped and confident in your response.
Training Overview
One of the largest components of certification is 7-hour training. Participants can attend one of three annual trainings, or for larger churches, schedule a private training. Who attends the training is up to the church, but it is usually comprised of a group of 8-14, which includes staff that volunteer/ministry leaders of the church.
Training covered during training include:
- Domestic violence behaviors
- Supporting victims & surviors
- Issues of faith & domestic violence
- Safety planning for victims & the church
- Referring & issues of confidentiality
- Responding to & supporting abusers
Cost & Dates
Upcoming Trainings
February 2019
June 2019
Private training available by request
- Private trainings also available upon request
- Fee based on regular adult participants:
- 1-49 (up to 3 attendees*): $200
- 50-149 (up to 6 attendees*):$450
- 150-399 (up to 10 attendees*): $600
- 400-999 (up to 13 attendees*):$850
- 1000+ (up to 18 attendees*): $1250
- Payment plans available
- Churches are required to recertify every 2-3 years
*Churches are welcome to bring additional attendees to the training at $30/person, which covers the costs of supplies and meals.
