A guide for churches to address domestic abuse
From a publication by Restored
Restored has been speaking up about violence against women and equipping churches across the UK and beyond to respond to domestic abuse. Their Survivors' Network supports over 500 female Christian survivors of domestic abuse.
It can be hard to believe that domestic abuse happens within Church, but their research shows that 1 in 4 churchgoers have experienced abuse in a current relationship. Abuse robs women of their value, security and hope. Survivors have been let down so often by people who were meant to love them, that they can lose their sense of identity and become frightened to even trust God anymore.
They have published a guide for churches which is available here as a pdf or here as a printed copy.
The guide is designed to:
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increase awareness and understanding about domestic abuse and its effects;
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offer clear and concise information about the legal framework;
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propose ways to handle disclosures and support victims/survivors;
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provide ways to respond well when the abuser is in the congregation;
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provide material for theological reflection and
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provide valuable referral information.
Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence. It is about the control of a victim/survivor by an intimate partner. It is a complex issue inflicted in various ways and it is essential to recognise its profound effect on the lives of victims/survivors, any children in the household, and the perpetrator himself. It is a serious matter that can lead to a criminal conviction.
It’s important for churches to foster a safe and supportive environment where victims/survivors can talk openly about complex issues without fear of stigma or shame. Equally, it is crucial for churches to be aware of how to appropriately respond to abusers who genuinely seek to change and to know how to manage those that do not.
“There was no actual hostility at the church, but I just felt that it was too much to try to talk about the abuse as I really felt that nobody would understand but would be wanting to know details or would think that I was exaggerating the severity” Survivor Quote
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From a publication by Restored, 18/07/2023