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Faith Community

Addressing Faith Issues in Sexual and Domestic Violence

We know that a large majority of women relate to a particular faith tradition. Anecdotal evidence and research confirm the importance of this fact in addressing their experiences of sexual and domestic violence. In a study of African American victims of domestic violence, Bell and Mattis (2000) state that religion must receive particular attention in any dialogue about the role and impact of domestic violence in the lives of women. They confirm that most victims are likely to use religious coping strategies and are more likely to seek help from a minister than from any other helping professional. It must be acknowledged that faith leaders may or may not be helpful, but it is essential that they are engaged as we seek to find more comprehensive and collaborative interventions to improve the lives of women and children.

Various studies confirm that victims/survivors with a deep sense of faith who experience abuse at the hand of their intimate partners often face a further dilemma of possibly relinquishing their faith community if they walk out of the abusive situation. Deep theological struggles relating to gender roles within the family were and continue to be central for victims and survivors. Domestic violence help-seekers often yearn for a more comprehensive response to their personal crises. They want advocates to acknowledge their faith issues and they want their pastoral caregivers to respond to their situations with informed compassion.

Faith leaders and perpetrators often misuse the faith materials, blaming the victim and creating faith roadblocks. Perpetrators are not held accountable for their abusive behavior and faith leaders are quick to offer forgiveness and encourage reunification of the relationship. Women are often held responsible for the breakdown in the relationship and pressured into keeping the family together. In too many instances, faith leaders themselves are perpetrators of abuse and very little has been done to hold them accountable.

It must also be noted that faith can be an invaluable resource in addressing violence against women since it promotes justice, healing and spiritual support. Many faith traditions advocate for peace, harmony, social justice, healing and spiritual support of all human beings. The sense of community that faith offers is another important resource which can be useful when victims/survivors must go to court or need to find safety. It is becoming more common for faith traditions to develop pastoral training, care, and misconduct policies to create healthier faith communities.

As more faith leaders are being trained and available to collaborate to help prevent and eradicate violence against women, secular advocates are invited to reach in and find more inclusive ways of working together. It is encouraging to note that over the years various initiatives have been established in the Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish traditions.

  • Within the Christian tradition, we have seen churches establish partnerships with shelters and crisis lines to make available appropriate referrals to faith leaders.
  • The Muslim community has been active in challenging the silence and naming the issues of rape and domestic violence.
  • Buddhist teachers are holding one another accountable for healthy boundaries between teachers and students.
  • Jewish movements have named the issues and now offer programs to support Jewish and non-Jewish women.

There is a growing respect amongst faith leaders for secular advocates and a willingness to collaborate to achieve the common goal of safety and healthy intimate partner relationships and families. The FaithTrust Institute, a nonprofit providing resources and training for faith communities, has been called upon to offer expert testimony in clergy misconduct relating to sexual abuse cases since 1990. This is a sign that the judiciary acknowledges the role of faith and the added complexity it brings to criminal and civil cases.

While the teachings and practices of faith groups can create challenges in addressing sexual and domestic violence, they also have the capacity to be significant resources to aid both victim healing and perpetrator accountability. Through collaboration we can make these resources available and help to change the social norms that justify and reinforce violence and abuse.

Reference

Bell, C.& Mattis, J. (2000). The importance of cultural competence in ministering to African American victims of domestic violence. Violence Against Women, 6(5), 515-532.

Information in this section is contributed by Faith Trust Institute

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Reviewed: August 10th, 2011