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The Intersection of Domestic Violence with Faith and Churches
Those with a strong faith background often stay longer in abusive relationships, trying their best to make things better. Sadly, they often receive hurtful messages from their faith communities that minimize the damage or blame them for the abuse. This is where education and awareness in churches can help.
Part of my advocacy work on the topic of domestic violence addresses how faith communities respond to abuse.
(Some images link to articles published elsewhere on the web.)
How the church becomes a grooming place for domestic violence
"What young women are not taught is that there are cases where abusers are infiltrating our churches and pretending to have a fervent faith."
When love does not conquer all
“Truth be told, it is not the responsibility of one spouse to fix the other. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.”
To the single mom who struggles
“A difficulty for those who are marginalized is that they are often invisible in society; but in that moment, my cloak of invisibility fell to the floor with the phrase, “the single mom who struggles."
Women in ministry vital to domestic violence response
"Women in ministry should keep in mind that for some of their congregants, the marginalization, assault, harassment and stalking come not from a stranger on the street but from a woman’s own spouse. If that is hard to fathom for those in ministry, imagine the agony the victim experiences every day."
Creating safer faith communities for survivors of abuse
"Churches can partner with local family violence shelters to create plans of action for helping those who are victimized. Age-appropriate conversations about healthy versus toxic relationships are important at all age levels, and sermons can speak out against abuse and provide comfort for the oppressed."
To increase congregational health, decrease domestic violence
"For some individuals in your congregation, mental and physical health ailments are going to be the result of domestic trauma.”
Domestic violence and people of faith
Here are a few truths you need to know about domestic violence and people of faith.
Domestic violence and the church
This is important information for clergy members and faith leaders, even those who serve in a lay-leadership capacity.
Creating congregational policy regarding domestic violence
Click on the PDF icon below to access a document on church policy created in partnership with the Center for Church and Community Impact (C3i) during my MSW program at Baylor University. It is placed here with permission from C3i. For more information about C3i, or congregational social work, please visit https://socialwork.web.baylor.edu/c3i
Forms of abuse list
Faith leaders may use this list in speaking with potential victims within their congregation to start conversation about abuse in relationships. Click on the PDF icon below for the full size version.
Rev. Gen's book on pastoral care and congregational preparedness is due out in 2024, and will explain more about this. Stay tuned for more information!
