Help for domestic violence victims

I applaud those people in Community Solutions who worked to open the transitional housing complex in Escondido. The center is a place for battered women to begin life anew. The vicious cycle of domestic abuse is a hidden secret in too many families. Women can take the brave step of breaking the cycle and saving their children from a nightmarish life with the help of Community Solutions.

A year ago the San Diego Men’s Leadership Forum embarked on a very long journey to make domestic violence a front line issue within churches. The Catholic Diocese of San Diego has helped by paying the cost of promotion with bilingual posters, brochures and cards. Five churches in San Diego (two Catholic and three Protestant) are making their faith communities safe places where relationship violence can be stopped. I am proud to say that St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fallbrook, is a Safe Place Faith Community. The team of four English and three Spanish are gearing up to be available to walk with those who are experiencing violence or intimidation. Anyone reading this who needs help now may call the Domestic Violence Hotline at (888) 385-4657.

Terry Hawthorne

Pastoral Associate

St. Peter’s Catholic Community