This statement strongly warned that violence against women, particularly within the home, has unique and serious consequences for human life. It often sets the stage for a cycle of domestic violence that continues from generation to generation. While the Bishops' focus in this pastoral was that of violence against women, many of the principles are universally true. Violence in any form, whether physical, sexual, psychological or verbal, is sinful. Domestic violence, abuse which takes place right in the home, is the most common form of violence in our society and, at the same time, the least reported crime.
Domestic violence has no boundaries.
It occurs in families from every ethnic, racial, economic, educational and religious background. It is found in our parishes, neighborhoods and archdiocese. Domestic violence and abuse are matters which people are reluctant to think about and even less willing to discuss. Often, when family members or friends witness such abuse, they do not wish to interfere and, unfortunately, do nothing. The mounting urgency of this problem prompted efforts to initiate what has come to be called a Sabbath of Domestic Peace .