In a joint response to the Home Office and Ministry of Justice consultation on the terms of the Domestic Abuse Bill, Humanists UK and Faith to Faithless have called upon the Government to take action against abuse based upon religious doctrines. The response argues that the definition of an abuser should be expanded to include extended family members and individuals in a position of authority or influence, such as religious ministers.
Since its foundation in 2015, Faith to Faithless has amassed a considerable number of primary testimonies and case studies detailing both abuse based upon religious doctrines, and the strong links between leaving a religion and domestic abuse, forced marriage, and honour-based violence. Religious and spiritual abuse is characterised by a systemic pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour in which religious texts or beliefs are used as a reason and justification for abuse.
Controlling behaviour may stem from the victim’s dress or make-up which is not approved by the family or community, from resisting an arranged marriage or seeking divorce, of from reporting domestic violence. This abuse can develop from family and community members using shame and guilt to ostracise or control the victim to physical violence and murder.
Humanists UK and Faith to Faithless recommend that the definition of domestic abuse is broadened to include religious abuse and non-familial abusers, and that specific training is given to police, educational professionals and children’s services on religious abuse and the multiple barriers faced by those who choose to leave a highly controlled or coercive religious environment.
Humanists UK Campaigns Officer Rachel Taggart-Ryan commented, ‘The Domestic Abuse Bill is an opportunity for the Government to shine a light on religious abuse and its links to domestic abuse and violence. Religious abuse for far too long has occurred behind closed doors in isolated religious communities. We hope that our recommendations are taken up by the Government, and that this bill will provide a legal framework within which victims can understand and come to terms with their experiences of domestic abuse, while also improving the awareness of religious abuse within support services.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Campaigns Officer Rachel Taggart-Ryan on rachel@humanists.uk or 07951 176 245.
Read Humanists UK’s and Faith to Faithless’ response: https://humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018-04-23-RTR-Domestic-abuse-bill-consultation.pdf
Read more about Faith to Faithless: https://www.faithtofaithless.com/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.