Description
The abuse awareness topic for 2023 is The Power of Trauma-Informed Ministry: “But I don’t feel safe.” That is what she said after leaving her abusive husband. She was now physically safe, but her body did not allow her to feel safe. That is what trauma does. We want our churches and ministry places to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually safe places because feeling safe and being safe is imperative for those that have experienced trauma. Being trauma-informed means utilizing a framework to support policies, practices, and procedures that adequately meet the needs for the vast amount of people that have experienced trauma.
Let’s use our power to become trauma-informed by using the four following R’s*:
1. Realizing
2. Recognizing
3. Responding
4. Resisting Re-Traumatization
Resources, flyers, and bulletin inserts from previous years are available at crcna.org/safechurch/abuse-awareness