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The Relationship Between Spiritual Abuse and Domestic Violence and Abuse in Faith-Based Communities

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Domestic Violence

Abstract

Whilst there has been some exploration of experiences of domestic violence and abuse within faith communities, understandings of spiritual abuse and how these phenomena interconnect are not yet widely understood. This chapter serves to provide a definition and understanding of spiritual abuse and how it may manifest across all faiths. Lisa Oakley and Kathryn Kinmond highlight the role and responsibility of the faith leader in shaping a positive, constructive faith discourse that condones abusive behaviour, including that which occurs in the domestic sphere. They also call for a more receptive response from mainstream domestic violence and abuse support services, with greater openness to recognising the importance of faith identity and spirituality as a tool of recovery for many victims/survivors.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For example, see ACPO (2012) Clare’s Law—The Domestic Abuse Disclosure Scheme.

  2. 2.

    Protective Denial-This involves a utilisation of the coping strategies of defence that the individual used at the time of the abuse, but which then have become habitual patterns of behaviour and psychological functioning (Sgroi, 1989).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe, UK

    Lisa Oakley & Kathryn Kinmond

Authors
  1. Lisa Oakley
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  2. Kathryn Kinmond
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Sarah Hilder

  2. Dept. Law, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom

    Vanessa Bettinson

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© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)

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Oakley, L., Kinmond, K. (2016). The Relationship Between Spiritual Abuse and Domestic Violence and Abuse in Faith-Based Communities. In: Hilder, S., Bettinson, V. (eds) Domestic Violence. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-52452-2_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-52452-2_10

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-52451-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-52452-2

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