WASHINGTON (October 3, 2002) -- The U.S. bishops will vote on a revised document on domestic violence at their annual November meeting in Washington.

The original document, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, was passed in 1992, and has sold more than 240,000 copies in English and Spanish.

The revised statement incorporates new statistics, resources, and information about domestic violence, but the essential message remains the same: Violence against women is never justified.

When I Call for Help addresses abused women, their abusers, and pastors and pastoral staff. The statement describes the nature of domestic violence, why men batter, and why women remain in abusive situations. It explains how abusers sometimes use Scripture to support their behavior and offers practical suggestions on how to help abused women.

The document is the work of the bishops" Committee on Women in Society and in the Church and the Committee on Marriage and Family. (A draft of the revised document can be found at www.usccb.org/laity/women/whenicallforhelp.htm )

The November meeting opens Monday, November 11 and continues through November 14. Media seeking credentials can find information at www.usccb.org. Credential applications should be submitted by October 28.

For media inquiries, e-mail us at commdept@usccb.org
Department of Communications | 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington DC 20017-1194 | (202) 541-3000 © USCCB. All rights reserved.