Care in the Face of Harm
(Content note: domestic violence and sexual assault)
Friends of LaSalle,
In recent weeks, the news has included many heavy stories involving domestic violence, assault, and women and children experiencing harm, often within their own families. I know it can be a hard topic to face, talk about, or know how to respond to. And I know some of these instances might hit close to home, or feel very removed, depending on our own experiences. I’ve been struck by the deep pain that impacts whole communities, the isolation and silence that often surrounds trauma, and the patterns of power and harm that show up again and again. This can be an invitation to pause, reflect on the grief and difficulty of the news, and to move toward care, lament, resourcing, and learning.
First, if anyone needs extra support, prayer, or time for self-care, please do so - and reach out to us if pastoral or community support would help. I also want to share about several organization that are good resources for information and care that have been speaking to these realities, offering guidance, counsel, and encouragement.
Shared Roots Collective - empowers survivors of sexual harm through restorative justice and community care, offering healing and accountability dialogues, community circles, and survivor-centered training.
Elevate Her - dedicated to empowering women to heal from trauma and equipping them with the tools to help others do the same.
A Long Walk Home - a Chicago-based nonprofit using art and community organizing to end violence against women and girls, with a focus on Black women and girls.
Deborah's Place - provides housing and support services to women experiencing homelessness, many of whom are also survivors of domestic violence.
Naomi's House - a faith-based nonprofit in suburban Chicagoland supporting women who have experienced sexual exploitation, trafficking, domestic violence, and related trauma through long-term housing and holistic recovery programs.
Please take a moment to learn from their work and expertise, and pray for all those impacted by violence, loss, and trauma. I pray that this is one small way we can keep growing in our awareness and in coming alongside those who experience domestic and sexual violence that too often remains hidden. For further support, or any questions or ideas you might have to share, please reach out.
With deep thanks for you all, and for God’s restorative work in the midst of loss and violence - RevLiz