The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints condemns any form of abuse and has increased its effort in recent months to create resources to help abuse victims.
A new website containing an abundance of resources launched Thursday as a part of that effort. The website is available at https://www.lds.org/get-help/abuse
To launch the website, Relief Society President Jean B. Bingham wrote on social media:
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month in the United States, and we know there are many throughout the world who are or have been victims of abuse. My heart hurts for all who have suffered the effects of this plague. You should not endure abusive behavior in any form. If you or someone you love are currently experiencing abuse, please seek help from civil authorities, child protective services, or adult protective services. Your local church leaders can also be a helpful resource. Please know that you are not—and never have been—at fault for the abuse. You are worthy, loved, and precious to our Father in Heaven—and to us, your eternal sisters! I know that Jesus Christ can bring peace and healing from all injustices through His loving Atonement, which gives each of us the power to move forward.
Resources include essential contact information for those in crisis, answers to deep questions victims of abuse often face, and personal stories of those who have been abused. Also available are resources for those who want to support and minister to those in trouble, including a comprehensive guide for Church leaders about protecting members from and reporting abuse amongst ward members.
To learn more about these resources, visit www.lds.org/get-help/abuse.
