Proverbs 11:25 Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped. Those who are good are rewarded here on earth, so you can be sure that wicked and sinful people will be punished.

1. Develop a library of Scripture and faith-based resources and publications relating to trauma, victimization, anger, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. (Publications that are visible to crime and trauma victims reduce victims’ fears of stigmatization and invite conversations and disclosures about traumatic events in the lives of people who are suffering.)

2. Offer special educational programs and workshops on topics such as Grief and Loss, Healing, Getting through the Holidays, Impact of Crime, Forgiveness, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Spiritual Questioning Related to Crises, etc. Invite community experts and local victim assistance staff to present topics and address specific concerns of church members.

3. Identify locations in your church or house of worship that can be a comfortable meeting place or “compassion center,” offering safety to individuals and families.

4. Provide a safe place for families and friends of victims to meet privately, especially if your building is located near a courthouse. Consider providing space, volunteer support and food for family and friends awaiting the outcome of trials.

5. Identify “victims in the pews” and provide prayer and spiritual support.

6. Organize candlelight services or memorial services during Christmas and other religious events for homicide victims’ families.

7. Have a special commemorative service with prayer, scripture and psalms related to transformation, healing, forgiveness and the Good Samaritan during National Victims’ Rights Week (3rd week in April).

8. Join the National Night Out prevention efforts in the community. Plan a prayer walk.

9. Form a plan on “How you can offer your help in Your Church or Community. How can you Help Crime Victims” hold Community seminars (Get yourself known by visit your local police department, sheriff’s department or other community organization).

10. Get involved in or host victim support group meetings monthly in partnership with MADD or other victim assistance organizations.

11. Educate church members about possible feelings, reactions and needs of crime victims and their families. Don’t forget the victim, especially if the church already has a prison ministry. Often, victims feel injured the second time by the church because they are neglected or ignored. Remember that your presence is the most powerful gift you can give to a people in pain.

12. Encourage church and house of worship leadership to prepare and deliver sermons, psalms and messages about evil, suffering, hope and restoration.

13. Learn more about traumatic grief experienced by family members of homicide victims.

14. Report any suspected cases of child abuse and develop church policies to ensure children’s protection.

15. Develop church policies and guidelines for selection of any individual who works with children to protect children and the church from potential harm and criminal liabilities.

16. Learn how to respond to caregiver needs following a tragic event or prolonged exposure to crisis.

17. Develop partnerships with local victim assistance programs (domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, prosecutor and law enforcement-based programs and others that serve crime victims.)