Introduction to the guidelines
Scope of these guidelines
Throughout these guidelines the use of the term "Church" is an inclusive term for all Church of Scotland congregations, presbyteries, departments, committees and forums, including CrossReach (The Church of Scotland Social Care Council).
This chapter has been specifically developed to include information on how to support survivors that will empower them to seek professional care from the relevant agencies. We have included useful contacts at the end of this resource, but the list is by no means exhaustive. Readers assume responsibility for how this information is used on a personal basis and should seek advice from safeguarding if they are unsure.
Churches have a responsibility and a unique opportunity to contribute to a wider community response in countering domestic abuse. Christians have been challenged by survivors and activists to be faithful to the life-giving message of equality, liberation, justice, compassion and love which is at the heart of the Gospel. The wellspring of our faith is the affirmation that each person is created as equal and precious in the image of a loving God. Any violation of body, dignity and autonomy is a denial of that image. So, we are called to be partners in challenging domestic abuse and supporting gender justice.
The human and material resources of the Church are available in every community and corner of Scotland, no matter how isolated. Many initiatives and resources have been developed to inform and support appropriate Christian responses to the reality of domestic abuse in our churches, and in wider society, both within the Church and by our ecumenical partners.
Domestic abuse must be a concern for all who believe that each human being is created in the image of a loving God, and who long for wholeness and justice in relationships and communities.
Most Christians abhor and neither condone nor practice domestic abuse. They have a particular calling to challenge any notion that it is acceptable to dominate another person.
Historical patterns that give power to males over females have contributed to gender-based violence.
The Church has been deeply involved in shaping and sustaining the values, attitudes to sex and relationships, and customs of society in this country. The Christian church, present in the midst of every community, has both a responsibility and an opportunity to understand, resist and seek to prevent the harms of domestic abuse and gender-based violence which distort individual and corporate life. The Church can certainly play a vital part in providing pathways and referrals to specialist services and agencies. It may also have a particularly helpful role in offering friendship, understanding and steady support for the long haul.
Leaving and recovering from domestic abuse is usually a long, slow and complicated process. We cannot compel someone to leave their relationship; statistics suggest that they may leave and return several times before separation becomes permanent. Non-judgemental companionship on that journey is important.
Long after the immediate crisis is past, Christian survivors may need and want to talk about some very deep questions: Where was God in that situation? Why did we suffer? What can I do with my feelings of anger, betrayal, distress? Does being a Christian mean I have to sacrifice my own hopes and rights for the sake of my partner?
They may be helped by having folk alongside them in the confusion and silence, or sometimes (if they ask for it) to pray with and for them.
Definitions
Click on the headings below for more information.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is defined by the Scottish Government and the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 as controlling, coercive, threatening, abusive, degrading and/or violent behaviour (including sexual violence) perpetrated by a partner or an ex-partner.
This includes spouses, civil partners, couples who live together or any other close intimate relationship such as boyfriend and girlfriend.
Domestic abuse can include but is not limited to:
- Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control)
- Physical, verbal and/or emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Harassment
- Stalking
The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 creates a specific offence of domestic abuse that covers not just physical abuse but also other forms of abuse, including psychological abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour.
It redefines domestic abuse as a course of behaviour towards a partner that is intended to cause them harm or which is reckless as to whether it causes harm.
The offence is gender neutral, meaning it can apply to relationships between any two people.
The Act also considers whether a child has been involved in the offence.
According to the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021, there is significant evidence of links between domestic abuse and emotional, physical and sexual abuse of children, and children themselves can experience domestic abuse as “coercive control” of the whole family environment, not just of their parent or loved one.
People of any gender can be victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. No matter their gender, it is important to consider gender-specific situations and power relations between women and men which may impact on those involved.
Gender-based violence
Gender-based violence is a term that is used to describe crimes that are overwhelmingly but not exclusively carried out by men against women. It is a symptom of the historic and current inequalities of power that exist between men and women.
Some examples of gender-based violence include:
- Rape or other sexual crimes
- Domestic violence
- Stalking
- Forced marriage
- ‘Honour’ crimes
- Sexual harassment
These crimes may happen in public or private life.
The Church of Scotland's Violence Against Women Task Group, Integrity, supports the national Church to tackle violence against women, girls, and children and to develop resources and tools for local churches, congregations, and communities. You can find out more information about their work and sign up to the Violence Against Women Charter by visiting their webpage.
We are committed to making the Church a safe place for everyone and prioritising those within our fellowship who are at risk of harm and abuse.
Domestic abuse not only affects the person who is the subject of the abuse: the ripple effect impacts children and the wider circle of family and friends.
Someone who is being abused in a domestic setting may have experienced this for many years before a disclosure is made and it is very important that we, as a Church, respond appropriately. The Church must therefore ensure that anyone who discloses this type of abuse is supported sensitively and not further diminished by the organisation responsible for their spiritual growth and pastoral care.
These guidelines have been developed as a resource to support Church of Scotland congregations, presbyteries, forums and CrossReach to address and respond effectively to domestic abuse both within its own community and wider society.
By using pastoral and practical strategies we hope to enable you to create local pathways to professional support services who can assist people who are in an abusive relationship.