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Advocate Response
First of all, Christians need to recognize that any Biblical justification for domestic violence is a perversion of God’s word. Domestic violence is a sin. Abusers have violated the marriage covenant as God intended it. It not God’s will that women submit to violence.
Second, because so many (mostly women) in abusive situations seek help from churches, church leaders should look to local resources that work with victims, children and abusers for help. God did not intend for us to go it alone. He has placed us here together to lift and encourage each other.
Finally, a critical step in addressing domestic violence is to stop being silent about it. Domestic violence is not just a private issue – in addition to its victims, it affects children, communities, congregations, and the body of Christ.
Domestic violence is a Christian community issue, as well as a societal problem. We can all work and pray together for love, peace and safety with the hope that all victims of domestic violence find their voice again.
Michael Sexton
Advocate Response
Church leaders can play a significant role in preventing domestic abuse and in taking practical action when abuse occurs among congregant families. They can raise awareness of family violence by:
- Speaking about abuse from the pulpit;
- Placing information about family violence in church libraries, women’s washrooms, on bulletin boards;
- Including lessons and/or discussion of the issue in children’s educational programs, youth activities and adult small groups;
- Ensuring that the place of worship is safe for all members;
- Ensuring protocols are in place for responding to disclosures of abuse.
Spiritual leaders can take practical action when abuse occurs among congregant families by:
- Responding to disclosures in ways that place the safety of the victim and his/her children as the first priority;
- Holding the abusing partner accountable for his/her behaviour and expecting that the abuse will not recur;
- Knowing the family violence service resources within the broader community and assisting family members to access them;
- Working collaboratively with local resource personnel to ensure congregants receive both professional and spiritual counsel.
Family violence is a complex and difficult issue and one that spiritual leaders do not need to face alone. By accessing the array of resources, informational materials and supportive organizations available, spiritual communities can be part of a collaborative community response to domestic abuse.
Irene Sevcik Coordinator FaithLink, Calgary, AB.
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