RESEARCH into domestic abuse in the Christian community has highlighted the part that religious texts and teaching can play in experiences of abuse, and the spiritual impact of this kind of harm.
One of the major findings is that the more domestic abuse is brought into the open and acknowledged, the more effectively it is responded to by the faith community.
The study was initiated by the the Christian charity Restored — which speaks out against violence against women and equips the Church to stand against domestic abuse and support survivors — in partnership with Broken Rites, and the University of Chester. It was released last week.
The research, for which there were 192 respondents, was carried out by the chair of the British Psychological Society safeguarding advisory group, Professor Lisa Oakley, who is Professor of Safeguarding and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Chester, and Dr Clea Wright, a senior lecturer in the University’s School of Psychology,
Teachings about the part played by men and women, marriage, and forgiveness, were all reported to contribute to some survivors’ feeling trapped with abusers. The research found that 71 per cent of abusers used Christian teachings to support or excuse it, and 60 per cent of those who said that they had been abused had experienced spiritual abuse.
The findings also demonstrated that “where church leaders are adequately trained, the support of a church community can empower survivors to flourish and find restoration.” The research found a wide range of responses from the Christian community to disclosures of domestic abuse. Thirty-six per cent had found that the situation was made worse, although 18 per cent said that it had helped positively to change the situation; 29 per cent said that it made them feel supported.
Eighty-four per cent of respondents disclosed to a person with a position in the Christian community. A large majority (71 per cent) of all of those who disclosed were not referred for support by anyone in that community. Fewer than half had heard about domestic abuse in sermons, prayers, or church meetings.
Respondents thought that the Church could do more in several areas: protecting and supporting survivors; providing training about domestic abuse; equipping people to respond effectively; talking about and raising awareness; working with or referring to other relevant services; and preaching and teaching on domestic abuse and other related topics.
The report emphasises the importance of churches, and statutory and other agencies working in partnership. “Church should be a safe place for everyone and those who need help need to know how to find it. The more openly domestic abuse is talked about and acknowledged, the better those who have been subjected to it can be sorted.”
The chief executive of Restored, Bekah Legg, said: “The research has highlighted the impact a church can have on the life of a survivor, for good, or for bad. At Restored, we are committed to equipping churches to be places of safety and hope, where survivors can feel heard, supported and, critically, be empowered to find freedom and flourish.”
Professor Oakley said: “We are really grateful to all who completed the survey, especially survivors, who have enabled us to learn more and to work towards better prevention and response in the future.”