Many of the issues that face women today are justice issues. This article focuses on Catholic social teaching — the justice dimension of our faith tradition. Human dignity, the common good and justice are themes throughout Catholic social teaching.

The beginning of modern Catholic social teaching is Pope Leo XIII’s document entitled Rerum Novarum (The Condition of Labor) that was issued in 1891. This was followed by other papal encyclicals, Vatican II documents and statements from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The dignity of the person is the foundation of all principles of social teaching in our faith tradition. The sacredness of human life and our value as a person is rooted in who we are and not in what we do. Our social teachings build on the foundation of human dignity, assist us in judging right from wrong, and give us a solid basis for morality. The theme of human dignity is discussed in detail in two documents. These are Peace on Earth by Pope John XXIII that provides a philosophical view, and The Church in the Modern World from Vatican II, that provides a more scriptural view.

As Christians we are called to reflect and act on social issues that detract from the dignity of the human person. One pervasive issue is violence. This includes war, oppression, poverty, destruction of our cities, domestic violence and abuse of various kinds. According to a pamphlet entitled “When I Call For Help,” published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, abuse is any kind of behavior that one person uses to control another through fear and intimidation. This can include emotional and psychological abuse, battering and sexual assault.

Adults and children need to be able to recognize signs of abuse. Resources to help educate people on various forms of abuse are available from the Milwaukee Women’s Center and Sojourner Truth House in Milwaukee. An excellent pamphlet is entitled “Relationship Abuse: What Teens Should Know.” This gives early warning signs of potential abusive situations, such as watching for a “controlling” attitude, name-calling, putdowns, verbal and emotional disrespect, fights or other violent past times, and a sense of possessiveness in dating relationships.

In a research project facilitated by the Milwaukee Women’s Center, over 2,000 students were surveyed from 24 high schools in Milwaukee County. Sixty-one percent of the students completed the survey. The statistics show an alarming acceptance of violence in relationships among teens. For example, one-third of the students surveyed agreed that violence might be “deserved” if a girl yelled at her boyfriend or insulted him in front of friends. Nearly one-fourth said a girl seen talking to another boy might deserve a shove or a slap from her boyfriend. Only 24% of the adolescents who answered the survey said they would probably seek help from an adult at their school. These statistics are a cry for help and education!

Violence is found in all economic levels of society, in urban, suburban and rural areas, and it affects people in all racial and ethnic groups. There are many signs that can give clues that abuse is occurring. As parish leaders, we should become informed about abuse and about resources that are available to assist people in abusive situations.

If a person is being abused or knows someone who is being abused, it is important to know that protection is available. A plan for this may include having a place to go, money, clothes, transportation, people who will help, and obtaining any necessary papers or documents. Having phone numbers of shelters and area hotlines is essential. Listed below are some organizations that provide a variety of services and resources:

Milwaukee Women’s Center,
24 hour Crisis Line 414-671-6140

Sojourner Truth House
24 Hour Hotline 414-933-2722

FAVR, Fond du Lac
24 Hour Hotline 920-923-1700

Advocacy Center of Ozaukee
County, Crisis Line 262-375-4034

The Women’s Center, Waukesha
Crisis Line 262-542-3828

Domestic Violence Project
of Kenosha 262-656-3500

Catholic Charities throughout
the Archdiocese 414-769-3400

By Thelma Walker, Director - Office for Women

For a copy of the survey results mentioned in this article, contact the Milwaukee Women’s Center, 611 N. Broadway, Suite 230, Milwaukee, WI 53202, or call414-272-6199. If you are outside of the Milwaukee area and want a copy of the survey, or if you are interested in additional resources, contact the Office for Women 414-769-3501, 800-769-9373, x501 or email walkert@archmil.org