Please read on to find out more about how religion plays a role in an abuse victim’s, particularly a woman’s, decision to leave an abusive relationship when bound to the batterer by marriage, and how religious leaders and clergy members can help.

Religious teachings and belief systems often play a very important role in a woman’s decision to leave an abusive husband.  However, religious teachings can oftentimes discourage a woman from seeking safety and shelter because it would be wrong or “sinful” to break up a marriage. However, religious teachings can also act as a resource in addressing domestic violence and ultimately help guide a woman and her children to safety.

Sometimes, religious teachings or scripture are misinterpreted, distorted, and misused by batterers or religious leaders to suggest that domestic violence is acceptable or even God’s will.  The following are just a few examples of the dilemmas that women of different faith systems face when dealing with domestic violence situations:

·       Christian women may often feel obligated to stay in abusive relationships because of scripture that mandates them to “submit to their husbands” or “turn the other cheek”.

 

·        Jewish women may feel pressure to not bring shame to their community, and will consequently hide the abuse in their marriage.  They may also feel that it is their duty to maintain shalom bayit, or peace in the home.

 

·        Muslim women may question the nature of God and might question their relationship to God if their husband is abusive.

 

·       And many women from all different religions and faiths often feel abandoned by God if they are abused.

 

All too often, rather than offering resources and alternatives to battered women, religious leaders have advised women to return to violent homes and be “better wives”.  An informed, compassionate clergy person/religious leader can significantly contribute to the healing process of a victim of domestic violence.  Today, more clergy are getting the education and training needed to support victims in staying safe. 

It is our hope that all women seeking religious sanction to flee a domestic violence situation are able to find the support they need from those they trust will guide them in the right direction.