In 2002, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, released a landmark study of crime victim care in the United States. The study, entitled “New Directions from the Field”, focuses on the spiritual needs of victims of crime following a traumatic event. The study recommends that victims of crime benefit from increased training of spiritual leaders in issues relevant to victims as well as increased participation in victim services and crisis response by the faith community.

“New Directions from the Field” reported that victims processed traumatic experiences with greater efficiency when surrounded by a network of support, including assistance from a faith community representative. The study determined that victims who lost significant relationships as a result of criminal acts, are five times more likely to turn to a member of the clergy for support over other emotional support options. The study concluded that the spiritual impact of crime is among the primary concerns expressed by victims. The study recommends that curriculum coursework focus on victim care and support be made available to graduate theological students across the country. This curriculum will help prepare clergy and faith-based counselors to work with crisis situations and crime victims within the context of their role as a spiritual leader.

The Denver District Attorney’s Office and Denver Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement Board (VALE) entered into a partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime to address this study’s recommendation. Bill Ritter, the former Denver District Attorney, supported and embraced the concept of partnering with faith community representatives in providing effective victim care. When current Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey took office, he expressed his strong support of FCPEI. Steve Siegel, the Director of Program Development in the Denver District Attorney’s Office, developed the goals of the collaboration and currently provides overall direction. Denver Theological Seminary, Denver, Colorado and Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas were enlisted as faith community partners to form the Faith Community Professional Education Initiative (FCPEI).

This initiative offers a strategic opportunity for graduate theological schools to meet the need expressed by crime victims and victim service providers across the United States, to train faith community representatives to provide meaningful support to victims of crime.