Clergy are often times the first line of help sought by those suffering from domestic and/or sexual violence.

In an effort to aid those in the ministry who provide services, the Haven House Family Shelter is sponsoring a full-day workshop for faith leaders, advocates and community members to address how to better support victims of domestic and sexual violence in the Vicksburg community.

“The workshop is designed to train clergy because a lot of domestic violence victims go to their pastors as counselors before they look to seek help elsewhere,” Haven House shelter program manager Anna Tillotson said.

A press release from Haven House states that one in three woman and one in five men have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence or stalking at the hands of an intimate partner.

And according to a study of older adults, “respondents, especially minorities, often indicated that their ‘first stop’ would be a member of the clergy if they were to discuss their (abuse) with anyone.”

“Faith leaders are uniquely placed to reach out to victims and help direct them to services and safety, as long as they have the right knowledge and skills to do so,” the press release stated.

The free workshop will begin at 9 a.m., May 8 at the Alcorn State University Vicksburg campus, 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd. #5, and national speakers from the Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence will facilitate the workshop, Tillostson said.

Lunch will be available for $10. Space is limited and reservations are encouraged.

Safe Havens Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence has been awarded funding by the Office on Violence Against Women to provide these trainings throughout the United States.

For more information about Safe Havens’ work, visit interfaithpartners.org/rural.

For more information about the local workshop, call 601-638- 0021.