Created to Thrive: Cultivating Abuse-Free Faith Communities

According to the World Health Organization, violence against women is a major public health problem and a human rights violation. Globally, one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, and most of this violence is from an intimate partner. Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of the communities they belong to, their education, ethnicity, or religious and spiritual practices.

Nearly half of survivors seek religious or spiritual counseling after experiencing abuse, and many find their faith to be a source of strength in their healing. A compassionate, informed, and effective response by faith leaders can be lifesaving for victims and their children. Faith can also create barriers to escaping abuse, through the misuse of religious beliefs and teachings, or faith leaders who, because they lack the knowledge of intimate partner violence, are unable to provide guidance and counsel.

Created to Thrive was born out of the desire to equip pastors and Christian leaders with the resources to respond wisely to reports of abuse and to create a space in their church or organization where all members can flourish. The contributors, each highly qualified in their respective fields, tackle topics related to abuse, exposing myths and their dangerous consequences, and proposing remedies and best practices.