“I appreciated everyone’s insight and honest comments. I thought many of the heartfelt conversations revealed a real need for open dialogue. I wonder how much of that would have occurred in a face-to-face meeting.”

—Rev. Bruce Frogge, pastor

When Children Suffer:
Care for Children and Families Experiencing Violence

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February 4-22, 2008
Facilitator: Kathy Manis Findley, M.Div.
12.0 contact hours

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"Examination, inquiry, and analysis reveal that the depth of the injury to the psyche of a survivor of intimate violence rests squarely on relationship," wrote Kathy Manis Findley in her presentation, "Healing the Invisible Wounds: Scars of the Soul and Spirit (Case Studies of Intimate Violence)." She explains, "When relationship is violated a person is left vulnerable and susceptible to the onslaught of illness, physical illness and mental illness."

While most care giving professionals have been well trained in their specific fields, unless they have specialized with children and abuse, they have probably not been prepared to recognize the signs and consequences of abuse.  The capacity for early intervention by as many of these professionals as possible broadens a child's safety net and enables intervention that may prevent more devastating consequences.

This seminar, featuring three core presentations, will allow participants to explore the ramifications of violence and to consider ways that ministry can be a part of the healing process.  It is designed for religious leaders, nurses, and other professional care givers that work with children.  As a result of this seminar, participants will have a better understanding of the challenges faced by children who have been abused and the potential consequences of their experience.  This seminar will provide definitions, warning signs, and strategies for prevention and response to violence. 

The online Connected Learning approach developed by the Wayne E. Oates Institute makes continuing education affordable and accessible for professionals who have a growing need for educational opportunities that do not require the expense of travel or the time away from work.

 

Learning Objectives

As a result of this seminar participants will be able to:

1. Recognize signs or indicators of children who have been abused.

2. Identify children at risk for experiencing violence.

3. Become familiar with resources and networks that can provide continued support for children that have experienced violence. 

4. Listen carefully, intentionally, and non-judgmentally to the stories of domestic violence victims.

5. Develop pastoral responses on the basis of theological reflection.

6. See the threat domestic violence presents to the sacrament of relationship.

7. Recognize the invisible wounds and develop approaches to minister with families experiencing domestic violence.

Facilitator:   Kathy Manis Findley, M.Div., CVAP-A, is the Executive Director of the Center for Healing and Hope in Little Rock, Arkansas, a non-profit organization that provides counseling, support groups and advocacy to victims of violent crime, as well as prevention education in the community.

She has a BA in Human Services and an M.Div. in Pastoral Counseling as well as experience as a Chaplain at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. She is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Justice National Victim Assistance Academy and the Advanced Institute on Victim Studies at Washburn University’s Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies and holds advanced level certification in victim assistance from the Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies and advanced practice certification in victim assistance from the National Association of Victim Assistance Professionals.

Kathy is on the faculty of the National College of District Attorney’s Conference on Domestic Violence and served two terms (4 years) as chair of the Little Rock Commission on Domestic Violence and holds the domestic violence position on the Little Rock Commission on Children, Youth and Families. She serves on the Multidisciplinary Child Abuse Team for Pulaski County and on the Sexual Abuse Management Team of the Sixth Judicial District Juvenile Court and staffs the cases of adjudicated juvenile sex offenders as well as provides services to the victims. She also serves on the Curriculum Committee of the Arkansas Commission of Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence.