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Last Update 12/17/2007
Faith and Domestic Violence
When faced with domestic violence, many seek guidance and solace within their faith. In addition to the legal help offered elsewhere on this site, this section offers resources that address how various faiths address the question of domestic violence.
Domestic violence occurs in all cultures and religious faiths. Finding Help Within Your Faith
The Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence notes “abused women often feel abandoned by God.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement in November, 2002 that recognized that victims of abuse may ask, “How do these violent acts relate to my promise to take my spouse for better or for worse?” The statement continued, “The person being assaulted needs to know that acting to end the abuse does not violate the marriage promises.” Jewish Women International notes that domestic violence occurs in 15%-19% of Jewish homes.
The Islamic Society of North America’s (ISNA) Domestic Violence Forum describes the situation as follows: “Domestic Violence is a disease like none other; its effects on families and communities are time and again proven to be catastrophic. Muslim institutions and organizations have been silent too long on the topic and we are losing a generation of our youth and families to the effects of abuse in the home. We have to step out of our Masjids and tap into our communities, for those Muslims who are truly at risk are invisible to us and we are losing them. InshAllah, this will be a first small step in aiding those who are ready to step out and embrace those of our Ummah who are most in need.”
If you are being abused, you may find strength in your religious faith and community. If you are comfortable doing so, talk to your religious leader about your situation and ask for spiritual support. You may also find support from friends in your religious community or reading some of the materials listed on this website.
Many religious leaders may not have special training on domestic violence issues, so it is possible that some members of your religious community may offer advice that is not good for your situation or makes you uncomfortable or upset. Advice to stay with your abuser and keep the family intact at all costs, advice that it is God’s will for you to stay in the abusive relationship, or advice to seek couples counseling may be religiously appropriate, but could be very damaging to you and your safety. If this happens, you may want to contact a therapist, counselor, or other professional who is trained to deal with domestic violence issues, and use your own religious faith to help cope with your situation.
Finding help within your faith: Judaism, Islam, Christianity In Maryland: Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA) operates a hotline:
1-888-883-2323 Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse (JCADA) helps Jewish victims of abuse, educates the community, and works to prevent abuse in future generations.
Nationally: The Task Force's hotline is open 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon Friday and Sunday. National Council of Jewish Women— http://www.ncjw.org While the Council does not operate shelters directly, local sections do volunteer projects such as economic self-sufficiency, work with family courts, hotlines for Jewish community members, post information in synagogues, provide furniture for women starting new homes.
Jewish Women International maintains a listing of national Jewish Resources.
Islamic Resources What Qur’an says about domestic violence and abuse — selected quotations that indicate disapproval of domestic violence on the website of the Islamic Society of North America.
The Islamic Society of North America also maintains a list of Muslim-based programs and agencies. There are a few shelters but none in the Maryland area.
Kamilat—A Resource for Muslim Women This website has general resources on Muslim women’s issues, including a section on domestic violence.
Christian Resources In Maryland: YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County provides the only domestic violence hotline in Anne Arundel County. The hotline provides 24/7 domestic violence related crisis intervention and information & referral to community members. The hotline number is 410-222-6800.
advocacy, community education, professional training, legislative advocacy and public policy, support groups, psycho-educational groups.
Nationaly: YWCA of the USA operates a national domestic violence hotline 1-800-799-SAFE.
Many local associations offer programs and services such as crisis intervention, counseling, shelter and housing.
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