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Mending Broken Hearts Response from a Police Officer1: What are Brenda’s greatest needs at this time in her life? Brenda’s greatest needs appear to be protection and stability. She ironically seeks protection and self-esteem from her relationship with Carlson, while pursuing financial stability through education. 2: How did Pastor Ruth begin to win Brenda’s confidence? Pastor Ruth began to win Brenda’s confidence through persistent concern, assuring Brenda that her interest in Brenda’s well-being was genuine while assuring Brenda that Ruth was not willing to abandon her. 3: What might a local congregation offer to a woman in Brenda’s situation? A local congregation might offer Brenda the benefits of family. Brenda’s self-esteem and sense of helplessness would presumably respond favorably to the sympathetic ears and empathetic actions of a church. Any sense of loneliness compelling her to remain in an abusive relationship may be minimized or abated by the presence of a congregation in her life. 4: How would you assess Ruth’s intervention with Brenda? Would you have responded in a different or similar way? Ruth’s intervention appears in its infancy, with few actions to gauge. It appears, however, to be a positive start and should be followed by discussions of specific plans of action. 5: What would you see as the next step in pastoral care? As mentioned above, the next step in pastoral care should be some discussion of specific action plans, both immediate and long term. The goal should be to help Brenda establish realistic but hopeful goals for herself and then utilize church resources to help move her toward them. Obviously, the most immediate obstacle to her success and happiness is her poisonous relationship with Carlson. Officer Shane Page Response from a Police OfficerPastor Ruth’s compassion for people and her willingness to get involved with a stranger in need is to be commended. Pastor Ruth’s intervention was a good starting point. However, noticing the bruises on Brenda’s body and that fact that she was pregnant, would have warranted first getting Brenda immediate medical attention. Pastor Ruth may have encouraged Brenda to talk with law enforcement while receiving medical attention. In some jurisdictions where there are aggressive domestic violence laws, the presence of bruises on Brenda’s body may have warranted an immediate arrest of her abuser. In many domestic violence cases, an arrest of the perpetrator and the subsequent conviction can result in court mandated counseling and accountability. In those cases when it’s necessary to return back to the place where the assault occurred, it’s always advisable to return only with the assistance of local law enforcement. Returning back to the home unaccompanied by law enforcement could have been disastrous for Brenda and Pastor Ruth had Brenda’s boyfriend, Carlson, still been there. Vince Riley Response from a Police Officer1: What are Brenda’s greatest needs at this time in her life? Brenda’s greatest needs are safetyand confidence. 2: How did Pastor Ruth begin to win Brenda’s confidence? Pastor Ruth approached Brenda and was intentional with her when she realized that Brenda was in trouble. 3: What might a local congregation offer to a woman in Brenda’s situation? A local congregation could offer Brenda and women like her, safe lodging and fellowship. 4: How would you assess Ruth’s intervention with Brenda? Would you have responded in a different or similar way? While I felt that Pastor Ruth’s response to Brenda’s situation was appropriate, I probably would have responded differently, given my role as a police officer. 5: What would you see as the next step in pastoral care? The next step would be to begin asking tough questions. Natalie Sielaff |
