Domestic Violence Article - Violence in the Church

As I was reading a recent Christian Counseling Today (Volume 13, No 3) domestic violence article the thought crossed my mind, "When was the last time I heard a pastor speak on the subject of domestic violence in the church?" One would think we as Christians would hear more about this epidemic with domestic violence statistics showing that 1 out of every 4 women in the church is currently experiencing or has experienced abuse by the hands of her partner.

But what is abuse? Let's define our terms. First, as you know there are different types of abuse. In this domestic violence article by FOCUS ministries, they defined it as "a repeated pattern of behavior used to gain power and control over another through the use of intimidation, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, physical assault or sexual abuse." The experts stress that domestic violence is much more of an issue of "power and control" than anger management.

Anger Management or Power and Control Issue?

Anger, misused, can be a powerful weapon to manipulate and control others and this is why the real issue is often over looked. Anger is like the lava flowing out of the volcano. It has to be stopped before it does more damage, but the source of the flow must be addressed. If the issue is defined as an anger management issue only, there is less likelihood that the abuser will actually change. Additionally, research has shown that 50% of court ordered offenders will batter again within five years.

A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a wise man keeps himself under control. Proverbs 29:13

The issues that need to be addressed are power and control issues and core beliefs about women and the marriage covenant relationship that lead a man to misuse his authority in the home and abuse his wife. For example the abuser often feels that he is entitled to get what he wants from his wife even if that means abusing her at times: the abuser may use anything from by making degrading comments all the way to using physical violence and forced sexual encounters.

Domestic Violence Statistics

Domestic violence is a serious issue around the world. Here are some statistics listed in the domestic violence article: 50%-70% of men who abuse their partners also abuse their children, 30% -50% of women murdered in the United States are murdered by their partner. Additionally, there are 4 million reports of domestic violence each year in this country. It is believed that up to 6 million women are actually abused. These statistics are sobering, but it's even more sobering to think that up to 90% of abused women never report the assault.

FOCUS Ministries offers some recommendations to create a safe environment in your church:

Train pastors and church staff about domestic violence
Take a firm stand from the pulpit by teaching about Jesus' servant leadership
Condemn controlling, coercive and violent means of leadership
Exhort men that scripture does not promote a viewpoint of male superiority
Develop programs that proactively prevent violence in the home
Develop a safety plan for church members who may be victims of domestic violence

For more domestic violence articles and to learn about setting up a domestic violence program for your church visit www.focusministries1.org.

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