By Joe Whalen
About three dozen pastors, many of whom have acknowledged that members of their vocation often avoid public discussion of private issues, gathered last week in southeastern Queens and tackled a troubling topic: the rise in domestic violence since last September’s terrorist attacks.
The conference, held Thursday morning at the First Presbyterian Church of St. Albans, featured a keynote speech from the Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Manhattan and president of SUNY-Old Westbury.
“The clergy needs help not only in being able to recognize domestic violence in men, women and children — the church needs help in being able to address domestic violence,” Butts said. “We’re not fully equipped to identify and counsel some of the root causes.”
The three-part event, organized by the Domestic Violence Task Force of Southeast Queens and funded by the Lutheran Disaster Response of New York, opened with a breakfast and culminated with a panel discussion.
John Scibilia, LDRNY coordinator, cited post-disaster research that has revealed spikes in domestic violence incidents following bombings, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Alcohol and drug treatment admissions have risen 10-12 percent nationally since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A shortage of beds in domestic violence shelters has been reported since October 2001.
“Disaster serves to focus our feelings in a laser-sharp way,” Scibilia said, adding that symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome typically manifest themselves three to 18 months after a trauma. “We are in a decisive time, and we have a decisive moment in front of us, in a number of issues, but particularly in the issue of domestic violence.”
During breakfast, Yolanda Jiminez, commissioner of the mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, addressed the gathering and pledged her department’s cooperation in helping train the clergy how to address the issue. She said 62 domestic violence homicides had occurred in the city so far this year, including the deaths of 14 children.
“I’m glad to see that Rev. Butts is getting the word out about domestic violence,” Jiminez said after the conference. “The clergy traditionally hasn’t wanted to talk about it, but they’ve asked to receive training in how to deal with the issue, and the Rev. reaffirmed that.”
The final speaker, acting state Supreme Court Justice William Erlbaum, credited the feminist movement with great strides in domestic violence legislation. But he stressed the need for timely interventions.
“When domestic violence spills over into the community, it reaches my courtroom, and that, in a sense, is a failure,” Erlbaum said.
Female pastors formed the bulk of the audience, although three male members of the clergy stood and thanked the event’s organizers.
“We need that education, as pastors. At least I feel that need,” said Andres Thode of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Cambria Heights. “I’m thankful for this conference. I’m learning, and I need to learn more.”
At the meeting’s conclusion, organizers circulated literature on domestic violence, including pamphlets to be placed in women’s bathrooms at churches.
“The more you speak about it, the more you liberate men and women from their prisons of fear,” Butts said.
Reach reporter Joe Whalen by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
