No "Righteous" Excuse for Abuse

Religious scripture, the source of forgiveness and love in faiths, is being misinterpreted by lay persons to justify physical or emotional abuse or to accept such abuse. The author, a hospital chaplain, summarized work with nurses who were victimized and internalized a religious rationalization for abuse.

Perpetrators who use scripture, e.g., submission and obedience to your husband, as reason for abuse are no different from others who do not take responsibility for their actions but who blame alcohol, work or even their victims for their behavior. Clergy can confront them that their actions violate the teachings of their religious faith.

Victims may say that their faith sustains them, but skewed religious messages from spiritual leaders or religious lay persons can perpetuate dangerous acceptance of being abused. The author believes that victims are not helped with advice such as "you only need prayer to be free from violence." Pressure from the faith community to accept the situation rather than "breaking up" the home adds to the burden and may have deadly consequences.

Identifying behavior as abuse and the perpetrator as an abuser can reduce the victim's tendency to blame herself for his actions. The spiritual leader can support the victim to challenge the abuser and provide a resource for the perpetrator who uses religion as rationale. Any religious lay person who twists teachings of the faith in ways that excuse domestic violence must be challenged.
(Miles A. When faith is used to justify abuse. Am J Nurs 1999;99(5):32-35)

Comment: This perspective is relevant when encountering parents who attribute abuse of their children to their religion. -J.O....