8615 Ridgely’s Choice Drive
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21236
Tel: (410) 529-
Fax: (410) 529-
Suite 212
Baltimore, MD 21236
Tel: (410) 529-
Fax: (410) 529-
WebMaster: Edward Lehwald
Domestic Violence and the Church
By Amy Wagner, L.C.S.W.-C
Today our country has made definite strides in the resources and services available to women who have been caught up in the clutches of domestic violence. More; however, needs to be done. Statistics from the US Center for Domestic Violence and Abuse state that according to crime survey data men commit 95% of all assaults on spouses. There are approximately three million women beaten in this country each year. As violence against women becomes more severe and more frequent in the home, children are 300% more likely to experience physical violence by the male batterer. Between 73% and 90% of violent incidents occur in private settings outside the view of others.
By Amy Wagner, L.C.S.W.-
Today our country has made definite strides in the resources and services available to women who have been caught up in the clutches of domestic violence. More; however, needs to be done. Statistics from the US Center for Domestic Violence and Abuse state that according to crime survey data men commit 95% of all assaults on spouses. There are approximately three million women beaten in this country each year. As violence against women becomes more severe and more frequent in the home, children are 300% more likely to experience physical violence by the male batterer. Between 73% and 90% of violent incidents occur in private settings outside the view of others.
According to the National Crime Reporting Data Bank, children who witness violence grow up believing that violence is a reasonable alternative to solving problems. Sixty percent of children from violent homes become violent themselves as adults. Children who are living in homes where violence is prevalent have difficulties in most if not all social settings. These children frequently have problems with concentration and distractibility, anxiety, conduct problems, trusting others, aggressiveness, and withdrawn behavior.
Unfortunately, in my experience as a therapist I have observed that a Christian home is not guarantee against domestic violence.
So how can the church effectively respond to this problem? Since silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse, the first step is not to ignore domestic violence. Church officials need to realize that abuse such as this is happening within the church, but is kept secret and not acknowledged by abusers and their families and by church staff. Although in general, women and children often do not seek much needed help, it is common that they feel particularly uncomfortable seeking assistance and counsel in their own church family.
So how can the church effectively respond to this problem? Since silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse, the first step is not to ignore domestic violence. Church officials need to realize that abuse such as this is happening within the church, but is kept secret and not acknowledged by abusers and their families and by church staff. Although in general, women and children often do not seek much needed help, it is common that they feel particularly uncomfortable seeking assistance and counsel in their own church family.
Frequently, a woman’s concern about a spouse’s abusive behavior is minimized. Women are often made to feel guilty for speaking against their husband and may be told that they are not in submission to their spouse. If women are met with this unsupportive response, youth feel even less comfortable sharing their concerns with church staff. It is important to recognize that most women and their children are hesitant to seek help due to fear and/or embarrassment and a negative or unsupportive response increases that hesitancy.
Church staff needs to become more involved in addressing the issues of domestic abuse. Pastors need to speak out against family violence, so people see the church as a resource in this situation. Providing education and raising awareness about domestic violence to the congregation, but particularly to key staff members is of prime importance. Ministers and other church staff must be willing to refer individuals and families seeking help to qualified professionals and to provide information about resources within the community.
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Church staff needs to become more involved in addressing the issues of domestic abuse. Pastors need to speak out against family violence, so people see the church as a resource in this situation. Providing education and raising awareness about domestic violence to the congregation, but particularly to key staff members is of prime importance. Ministers and other church staff must be willing to refer individuals and families seeking help to qualified professionals and to provide information about resources within the community.
(Next Page)