In the era of hashtags and viral social media movements, it’s become more evident that the pandemic of domestic violence, a human rights violation hiding in plain sight, needs our urgent attention. Every day, we encounter gut-wrenching stories of abuse. Yet, nestled among the grim statistics and chilling narratives, there are rays of hope – society is no longer as silent on this issue as it once was. Among these glimmers of hope, the church has a divine mandate and an ethical obligation to take up the banner and be at the vanguard of this fight.

Let us take a moment to journey back to the time of King David, captured in the scrolls of 2 Samuel 13. Here, we find the story of Tamar and Amnon, a tragic tale of abuse within the palace walls. Amnon, driven by lust and egged on by deceitful counsel, violates his half-sister, Tamar, setting off a chain of catastrophic events.

Tamar, after the assault, is described as living out her days in desolation. Therein lies the timeless echo of the traumatic impact of domestic abuse, a profound desolation that victims experience, and a societal problem that we must no longer overlook.

Fast forward to the present day. According to a recent domestic abuse census in England and Wales, the police recorded 910,980 domestic abuse-related crimes in the year ending March 2022. That’s an alarming increase of 7.7% from the previous year.¹ The criminal justice system, despite valiant efforts, struggles to keep pace with the escalating crisis, as evidenced by decreasing arrest rates and lower conviction percentages.

This data serves as a wake-up call to the church.

As a beacon of moral guidance and spiritual sustenance, the church must take a stand, mirroring the teachings of love, respect, and justice deeply embedded in its spiritual ethos. It’s not enough to react to these statistics with surprise or sorrow. Like the prophets of old, the church must voice its strident opposition to domestic violence and work to protect and aid its victims.

But how can we breathe life into this endeavour?

1. Education and Awareness: The church must strive to educate its members about the reality and impact of domestic violence. We can remove the stigma and encourage victims to step forward by bringing light to this issue.
2. Support and Aid: The church can provide victims safe spaces, resources, and support. By collaborating with local organizations and agencies, the church can ensure victims have a path to safety and recovery.
3. Preventative Action: By promoting healthy relationships based on mutual respect and love, as taught by Christ, the church can play a important role in preventing domestic violence.
4. Policy and Advocacy: The church can advocate for laws and policies that protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. By lending its voice to this cause, the church can help shape a society that is intolerant of domestic abuse.

Like Tamar, victims of domestic violence often live in the shadows of desolation. In stepping up its efforts, the church has the opportunity to transform these shadows into sanctuaries of hope, turning the tide in the battle against domestic violence.

As we draw lessons from biblical accounts and contemporary measures alike, let us remember the church’s role as a sanctuary, a refuge, and a beacon of love and justice. It is not just our obligation; it is the embodiment of our faith to lead the charge against domestic violence. For every Tamar and every victim that walks among us, it is time to act now.

 

_{¹ Domestic abuse and the criminal justice system, England and Wales – Office for National Statistics. https://cy.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/domesticabuseandthecriminaljusticesystemenglandandwales/november2022}