churches should be places of sanctuary for domestic abuse victims - talking about it is the first step!
@sanctuaryyne
Yorkshire North & East District Intership
Laura Newton
introduction
I am so pleased to be joining the District team as an intern this year! I will be focusing on how we can make our churches safer places for domestic abuse victims! This is a particular passion for me, after completing my dissertation ‘The Church’s Response to Domestic Abuse’ during my Criminology and Sociology degree. Having grown up in the Methodist Church, I am grateful for this opportunity to hopefully make a difference in this way! Throughout the year, I will be producing resources for our churches and raising awareness on social media. You can find me on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok at @SanctuaryYNE
-Laura
I’m trying to build a community of Christians who care about domestic abuse victims in the church. There tends to be a culture of silence around domestic abuse in the church… some people call it ‘The Holy Hush’. But not talking about this issue does three things: 1. It isolates victims and indicates to them that they should stay silent too. 2. It sends a message to perpetrators that the church will not hold them accountable for their behaviour. 3. It allows the congregation to continue to believe that domestic abuse is not an issue in church communities.
A lot of Christians would like to think that nobody at their church would do something like abuse their partner… but research shows that domestic abuse is just as prevalent in church communities as it is in wider society.
support for victims
(If you call 999 and are unable to speak, coughing or tapping in 55 on the keypad will signal to the call operator that you are in danger, allowing them to send officers to your location)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247 Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk)
Restored www.restored-uk.org
Support for Christian survivors of domestic abuse
Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse)
0808 808 8141
www.wearehourglass.org
Respect men’s advice line 0808 8010 327
Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men’s Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk)
Galop National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
Domestic abuse – Galop the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity – Galop
Women’s Aid Live Chat
www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support
Mankind Initiative
0182 3334 244
www.mankind.org.uk
Karma Nirvana
www.karmanirvana.org.uk/
Support for victims of honour based abuse and forced marriage
CONNEXIONAL SAFEGUARDING TEAM
020 7467 5189
safeguarding@methodistchurch.org.uk
resources for churches
Follow @sanctuaryyne on social media
The Methodist Church Policy and Procedures
www.methodist.org.uk/safeguarding/domestic-abuse/
Domestic Abuse Posters and Stickers
The intention of the posters and stickers is to make clear the church’s commitment to highlighting the dangers of domestic abuse, in all its forms, and where people can find support to protect themselves.
www.methodist.org.uk/safeguarding/policies-procedure-and-information/posters/
Information for Churches
Here is a resource from the Anglican Communion on Domestic Abuse & COVID-19:
How Churches Can Respond
Restored have a variety of resources for churches on their website, including a church guide, information on requesting training and information on their Beacon Church programme. For churches – Restored (restored-uk.org). The Church Guide has been designed to empower churches around the world to engage with the challenges of domestic abuse, to support survivors, and to teach a better way.
Chester University have published the key findings (in pictographic format) from their research into domestic abuse in the Christian Faith Community: Turn the tide: Developing understanding and effective responses to domestic abuse in the Christian faith community – Key findings (5 pages)
Handbook for survivors
Restored handbook aims to be ‘a comprehensive guide for female christian survivors of domestic abuse, covering the practical realities of leaving an abuser, healing and recover, and faith-related questions relating to domestic abuse.’ Free survivors handbook available from Restored
to get you thinking...
@sanctuaryyne I hope this explains why I talk and will continue to talk about sexism in the Church🩵 #sexism #patriarchy #church #daawareness ♬ original sound - Sanctuary
@sanctuaryyne Recognising the signs is the first step in helping somebody out of an ab*sive relationship #daawareness #domesticabuseawareness #domesticabuse ♬ Sailor Song - Gigi Perez
@sanctuaryyne Assuming that someone isn’t being ab*sed or ab*sing someone because theyre not who you would expect can be so dangerous… please keep an open mind🩵 #domesticabuse #domesticabuseawareness #stopdomesticviolence ♬ inside out theme - Santiago Melo
@sanctuaryyne Traditional gender roles disproportionately affect women in a negative way.. particularly as they are a huge causal factor for DA #church #christianity #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity ♬ original sound - Sanctuary
@sanctuaryyne I see so many interpretations of the Bible that are not reflective of a God who wants the best for all of us.. Have you experienced or seen sexism in your Church? #christian #progressivechristian #progressivechristianity ♬ original sound - Sanctuary
@sanctuaryyne It is okay to recognise that you might not be fully equipped or trained to deal with a situation like this, but here are some small things you can do: 1. Remember how long it has most likely taken this person to build up the courage to talk about their experience. A response of disbelief, dismissal, or shaming, in this moment, could undo all of the work they have done to gain that courage. 2. Listen. Ask them what they need. You don’t need to have all of the answers or training in this moment. It may be that you can offer or help to find them a safe place to stay, or that you can just be a listening ear. They may not be ready to leave their partner yet, so focus on listening over solving. 3. Offer referrals. If you are not trained or equipped to deal with the issue yourself or within your church, you can signpost them to local agencies that are. #church #churchcommunity #christiancommunity #daawareness #domesticabuseawareness ♬ being loved isn't the same as being understood - Vines