Brief summary of presentation of information made

People from different parts of the world shared how they are addressing Domestic Violence through their churches/Christian organisations:

Nigeria: Working with young girls to create awareness about the situation of GDV in a culture that is silent around the subject. The awareness is especially so that later on they do not feel trapped with no way forward due to lack of education and enlightenment, dependence on partner/husband, etc. The church in general has taken a passive approach, encouraging forgiveness, not involving law enforcement and proper investigation, or helping to provide therapy or support groups (Ruth Utulu – Girls Brigade International)

Ethiopia: Working with church leaders regarding gender equality and trauma healing. A male leader who trains pastors and local leadership on this subject and has insisted that each training course must have 50% of women. After training the women are mentored and encouraged to network with other women to empower the local community. “Policy makers should consider the church as a strategic partner to end domestic violence” (Tekalyne Demissie – Evangelical Churches Fellowship of Ethiopia)

Pakistan: Honour/Shame culture that does not allow people to discuss these subjects and the church in its normal activities such as gatherings, sermons, bible studies, etc does not address it either. Working with women to provide: - Skill training that will bring financial stability (for women and their children) which include emotional support. - Community Capacity Building Programmes (including male and female), and awareness raising regarding Human Rights (Amal Sarah – Church of Pakistan and Ruby Naeem – Member Care Foundation)

India: A closed society, where family issues are not talked about. The family deals with difficult situations and there is no room for women to object or to speak out. Working with youth to empower and equip girls to say no to violence and injustice. (Aashima Samuel).

UK: Working towards making the church stand up against domestic abuse and stand alongside survivors. This is both external as well as internal, considering that a recent study (Churchgoers in Cumbria – UK – 2018) showed that 1 in 4 church goers experienced abuse in a current relationship.

• Speak Up: Lobbying at government level, raising awareness in the church and community.
• Safe Space: Organised to deal with disclosure and create survivors Network
• Training: For leaders and laity alike. (Bekah Legg – Restored)

Other points raised on domestic abuse from a Christian perspective: 

• The importance of knowing and understanding the theology that underpins domestic violence.
• There is an intersection between: 
  • Religious minority X gender
  • Freedom of religion X gender equality
• There is a need for change at a personal level, at a community level, but also cultural change, societal change, structural change, so that everybody has the opportunity to be all God created them to be. 

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

Domestic Abuse is widespread and exists in every group in society. There is a need to find spaces to open conversations and address the subject in ways that are culturally appropriate; provide support to those that are suffering abuse and create awareness, especially amongst the young people. TSA is present in hundreds of communities around the world where domestic abuse is happening and can be a force for change. Apart from this it has specific groups that can work on this topic, such as Women’s Ministries groups, youth groups, men’s clubs/fellowships, etc.

Web links for more information

https://www.anglicancommunion.org/mission/gender-justice.aspx

https://www.restored-uk.org

https://www.opendoors.org/

Tags: SDG5: Gender Equality