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Mending Broken Hearts Response from a Police OfficerIn this scenario, Rev. Dunhill responded to the crisis in an appropriate manner. He visited the home at the time when the immediate crisis was over and stayed and talked with Robert for quite some time. Rev. Dunhill may have called Jill and met with her to see if she needed any further assistance or medical attention. Rev. Dunhill may have stressed to Jill the importance of intervention and making Robert accountable by seeking the assistance of the court though the local police. During his conversation with Robert, Rev. Dunhill could have stressed the importance of accountability with him and encouraged Robert to voluntarily enroll in non-violence courses. Rev. Dunhill showed great support by letting Jill know that she had options other than remaining in an abusive relationship. By being present at the dissolution and testifying in favor of it, he showed his support for her and helped her to start the process of spiritual and emotional healing. Vince Riley Response from a Police Officer1: What do you see as Jill’s greatest needs as she begins life as a single parent with three children? Jill’s greatest needs will be continuing support, safe shelter, and financial assistance since she is leaving her husband and has children. She will need encouragement not to return to her husband under any circumstances. The cycle of violence shows that victims will return repeatedly until they make the final break. Pastor Dunhill realized his mistake by marrying the couple and did what was necessary to resolve the dangerous situation. If there were signs of physical violence, he should have called Law Enforcement and Department of Social Services. Robert should be held accountable if he committed any crimes. The courts can mandate treatment as a condition of his release or probation. The children are also victims in this case. Safety of the children should be the primary concern. Jill needs to make sure that she does a background check on any future mate(s) - the third time is not necessarily the charm. With internet access, most users can run checks on their home computers. Spending a few minutes looking up somebody’s past, asking questions, and listening to your gut feeling, might save you a lot of years of being in a dangerous relationship. 2: How did Pastor Dennis begin to win Jill’s confidence? The Rev. Dunhill began to win her confidence by relieving her guilt over breaking her marriage vows. He offered her spiritual and emotional support. He believed her and understood the ways in which she had been manipulated. He helped her to understand that she was not a failure. 3: What might a local congregation offer to a woman in Jill’s situation? The local congregation can show their support by rallying around Jill and her children. The congregation might be able to provide temporary shelter and financial support. The congregation should not allow the batterer to return. The batterer needs to move on with his life elsewhere. Again, the safety of Jill and her children is should be the major concern. 4: How would you assess Dennis’ intervention with the Smith family? Would you have responded in a different or similar way? For the most part, Rev. Dunhill responded appropriately once he learned the seriousness of the situation. Again, he should have reported the physical abuse to Law Enforcement. Batters should not be protected by the church. It’s ok to report and forgive at the same time. 5: What would you see as the next step in pastoral care? Rev. Dunhill should continue with his support of Jill and her children. He should persuade her to seek additional counseling outside of the church. Detective M. L. Davis |
