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“Violence cannot be overcome with violence. Violence is overcome with peace.” – Pope Francis
Parishioner Susan Rivard is active in the Domestic Violence Awareness and Action (DVAA) Ministry, educating the community about domestic abuse and speaking up on behalf of victims and survivors. One of their current focuses is raising awareness in the larger community through their Purple Lights Initiative, started in Maple Grove by other members. They also work to help develop domestic violence ministries among other faith communities.
Rivard’s work with DVAA strengthens her relationship with God. She states, “I know many survivors through my advocacy work, and all of them credit their faith for sustaining them through the abuse they suffered – and once they were free, there was no blame or anger at God, there was simply a love and gratefulness. Somehow, their faith grew through their trauma. My faith grows when I see their faith and love of God thriving without reservation. Faith in action is contagious.”
Helping victims turn their energy from survival to being able to use their gifts and talents is what drives Rivard to do her work, and she believes “there is no social justice endeavor more in line with church teaching than standing up against someone being abused in their own home... Silence and inaction empower and enable the abuser, but awareness and action shine a light on this issue that will, over time, move us toward zero tolerance for abuse.”
To learn more about DVAA and put your faith in action, you can visit the SJTW website at https://sjtw.net/domestic-violence