A Guide for Faith Communities in Responding to Sexual Violence

Stella Ndauwa

Sexual assault and sexual violence are worldwide epidemics that have been a part of our society for centuries. According to the Rape Abuse and Incident National Network, in the United States, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men are survivors of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime (RAINN, 2020). Knowing this hard truth, the odds are high that your faith community is a place of refuge and hope for many survivors. Sexual violence does not discriminate; it is an issue that transcends gender, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and faith.

In 2018, IMA World Health and Sojourners co-sponsored a LifeWay research survey of 1000 pastors to gauge awareness of and response to sexual violence in their congregations. Broken Silence 2 (2018) found that 81 percent of participants knew someone who had experienced sexual or domestic violence. In addition, 51 percent say that they speak to their church or community about domestic or sexual violence several times a year (We Will Speak Out, 2018).

It is becoming the norm for pastors and faith leaders to share information with their communities regarding sexual violence. In response to this shift, GRACE for survivors, the faith-based outreach project within the NWA Center for Sexual Assault, has put together this guide as a resource to faith leaders who want to create safer spaces for survivors within their communities.

For many religious or spiritual survivors, the first place they will go for healing and hope is to their faith leader. Thank you for your commitment to supporting and believing survivors and to improving your response to sexual violence in your community.

Responding to survivors of sexual assault

I. Get the survivor to a safe space

Listen appropriately and believe the survivor:

  • “I believe you.”
  • “It is not your fault.”
  • “You are not alone.”

Suggest the option of seeking medical attention.

Recognize your responsibility to report the incident.

Recognize and report child abuse.

Connect with crisis counselors and advocates.

II. Educate your faith community

Preaching and pulpit leadership:

  • Dedicate dialogue around sexual violence

Equality and respect-training for youth:

  • Healthy relationships education
  • Consent and respect for others

Make resources available:

  • Bathroom flyers
  • Informational handouts
  • Counseling

III. Create a team

Passionate advocates and prayer warriors:

  • Establish a policy
  • Conduct background checks
  • Set counseling guidelines (mental health vs biblical counseling)
  • Communicate stance on abusers and sex offenders
  • Protect children and vulnerable adults

IV. Train your staff

  • Clergy training
  • Childcare training
  • Educate on how to report

We hope that this guide is a helpful tool in combating sexual violence in faith communities. GRACE for Survivors is always ready to partner with all faith groups in efforts to support survivors and promote a safe culture.

Original publication: April 2021

Share this post

By Naomi Cook, Guest Contributor 30 Mar, 2023
Located in Pasadena, TX, is the Pasadena Jail, and on this page , you can know how many inmates stay out their full terms in prison or be held temporarily until they are routed to another prison in the state. One of the biggest concerns and approaches that Pasadena Jail staff is taking in recent years is the statistics surrounding prison inmates and reducing sexual assault at their facility, and the role of prison staff in preventing sexual assault at Pasadena Jail for it is crucial. It is essential for staff to create a culture of zero-tolerance for sexual assault and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. By actively working to prevent sexual assault, prison staff can create a safer environment for inmates and ensure that justice is served.
By Teresa Siqueira, Porch.com 13 Oct, 2022
The ultimate guide to dating app safety
By Lavatria Williamson 01 Oct, 2022
The National Domestic Violence Hotline estimates that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence. That is roughly 33.3% and 25%, respectively. If so many people in our community are being affected by domestic violence, then why aren’t we talking about it? Although Black people are disproportionately affected by this detrimental disease, it has somehow become ingrained in the very root of our cultural identity. Every day there are media headlines being posted on social media about celebrity couples engaging in physical violence. Rap songs are glorifying toxic masculinity including the oversexualization and objectification of women. Even frustrated parents are turning to physical punishments to discipline their children. In August 2022, rapper Blueface and his girlfriend, Chrisean Rock, got into a physical altercation in Los Angeles. This incident took the media by storm. Thousands upon thousands of people flooded comment sections with jokes and memes, essentially making light of the situation. Many may think of the story as comical, but domestic violence is never funny. It is a community issue that has plagued Black families for generations. The reason that this issue continues to permeate is due to the lighthearted way that Black people discuss serious topics. Statistically, we face higher cases of poverty, racism, low educational attainment, and domestic violence. This is likely due to the historical context in which Black people have existed in this country. When you live in a country where racism and sexism are rooted in the cultural context and institutional processes, it can make other issues seem less important or less dire, but domestic violence is indeed life or death. By having open dialogue and calling out problematic comments and jokes, we can start to make positive changes in our community and ensure the success of future generations. Disagreeing with your significant other is a normal part of any healthy relationship. However, name-calling, intimidation, stalking, sexual violence, physical violence, financial abuse, and emotional abuse are not. You are deserving of healthy, honest, and stable relationships free from the ugliness and toxicity of abuse. Let’s change the conversation and bring awareness to domestic violence and sexual assault. If you or someone you love are in an unhealthy relationship, please consider asking for help. To learn more about domestic violence visit: http://thehotline.org/
By Taylor McKinney 02 Sep, 2022
An interview with Kacie Parrish, a rising leader of NWA Forensic Nurse Team
By Carly Palozola & Sandra Gibbons 01 Mar, 2022
A Gen Alpha's take on Women's History Month
By Prentis Grayson 01 Feb, 2022
Black History Month (formerly known as African American History Month), originated in 1976, when it was officially recognized by then-President Gerald Ford during the United States Bicentennial Celebration, but its celebration began many years before. It's important to acknowledge that the history of Black Americans began many decades earlier. In this article, we will dive into what Black History Month is, how it started, and what it means to the NWA Center for Sexual Assault.
More posts
Share by: