Domestic Violence
Violence against women in all its forms is unacceptable in the church and in society. The Baptist Union Council:
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Resolves to work towards making all our churches safe places where women who have experienced abuse can find sanctuary and informed help.
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Commends the guidelines 'It doesn't happen here' for use in churches in membership of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.
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Urges every local congregation to break the silence over domestic violence.
(Council resolution November 1997, affirmed at Assembly May 1998. Assembly 2004 further called on churches to take domestic abuse seriously, and to respond in responsible and creative ways, using the available resources.)
For many people in the churches, domestic violence is a taboo subject which ‘we don’t like to talk about.’ But it is likely that many in the church will know victims of violence or be victims or abusers themselves. It is important that the subject is on the church agenda.
Our range of resources to help churches support those who are the victims of domestic violence is currently being updated.