Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Oakwood University

Collaboration between Oakwood University Church Family Life Department, Oakwood University Social Work Department and Crisis Services of North Alabama was the driving force behind a series of events that recognized October as Domestic Violence Month.  The kick off event was a Wednesday night prayer meeting held on October 15, 2008, at the Oakwood University Church.  A video entitled “Domestic Violence--What Churches Can Do” was shown, followed by a discussion with a panel of mental health professionals.

This special prayer meeting set the stage for the Domestic Violence Awareness Day held on October 18, at the Oakwood University Church, where Pastor Craig Newborn preached an unforgettable sermon entitled “Not Safe Yet,” that specifically addressed the issue of domestic violence within the church.  Divine worship was then followed by an afternoon workshop, “Domestic Violence 101,” presented by Crisis Services of North Alabama.

The final event was a candlelight vigil held on October 23, at Wade Hall.  The vigil, organized every year by Crisis Services of North Alabama and held for the second year on Oakwood’s campus, was an opportunity to speak out against domestic violence, remember those who have died due to domestic violence, and celebrate survivors of domestic violence through testimonies, interpretive dance and music. The vigil, as well as the other events, was well attended by members of the community and by Oakwood University students.

These events proved that collaboration is an effective tool in addressing the issue of domestic violence in the faith community.