CHICAGO, IL (August 10, 2015) — Materials are available online for churches to host a Domestic Violence Awareness Sunday in October, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. AVA (the Covenant’s Advocacy for Victims of Abuse ministry) is asking every congregation to “Save A Sunday” to talk about abuse.

Available resources include links to appropriate scripture texts, sermon helps, music, prayers, drama, literature, videos, and others. “If each Covenant church does one thing to raise awareness about abuse, the impact will be powerful,” says Meagan Gillan, leader of Women Ministries.

Yvonne DeVaughn, director of AVA, said domestic violence includes all forms of physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, verbal, spiritual, and financial abuse.

“The epidemic of domestic violence is found in all types of communities and family structures, and devastates young and old women, children and men,” DeVaughn said, adding that churches should be the forerunners of offering resources for churches to address abuse issues.

In addition to raising awareness in a worship service about domestic violence, churches also could consider hosting a training for local advocates. For more information, email Women Ministries or call (773) 907-3332.