Church Group Tackles Subject of Domestic Abuse

To heighten awareness and understanding of domestic abuse and violence, Minnetonka United Methodist Church will host a showing of a highly acclaimed documentary film.

I Believe You: Faith’s Response to Intimate Partner Violence will be shown on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m.. The church is located at 17611 Lake Street Extension (at the corner of County Road 101) in Minnetonka. Childcare will be provided, and discussion will follow the film.

The film answers basic questions about domestic abuse/violence such as what behaviors are included; is it only physical; how prevalent is it; who is experiencing it; whose fault is it; and why don’t the victims just leave? It also examines how religious beliefs and faith communities, past and present, have responded.

Many peoples' lives have been touched by the problem of domestic abuse. It exists across all areas of society including church-going families, financially-secure families and well-educated families. Statistics show that more than three out of four people know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, many people may not recognize it or may not know what to say or how to help.