Additionally, religious abuse can occur at the hands of family members, friends, and partners.
No one deserves to be abused and mistreated.
We often think about abuse happening in the home and romantic relationships.
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However, religious abuse is a common issue that is not often talked about which can result inlong-lasting trauma.
When going through a hard time, people often turn toreligion.
Understanding Abuse and an Abuse of Power
First, lets start with understanding what abuse is.
It’s also important to note that any form of abuse can happen in any religious or spiritual institution.
Moreover, anyone from any religion or spiritual belief system can perpetrate this abuse.
This abuse can present assexual,emotional,financial,physicalorverbalharm.
What Are Examples of Religious Abuse?
First, lets explore the general indicators of anabusive relationship.
Perhaps the abusive individual has strong opinions about the people you spend time with.
They could get angry if you dont tell them what youre doing.
They might even insult you based on an outfit youre wearing.
This behavior can escalate, resulting inmanipulation, sexual coercion, and physical assault.
Power Dynamics Are Present
Now, lets consider how these signs ofabusemay present in a religious context.
There may be members of the church who hold a lot of power, like a preacher or bishop.
One could be pressured into constantly donating money to their religious institution.
Whenever they question the reasoning, areligious leader could begin manipulating theminto thinking they are failing God.
Impact of Religious Abuse
All forms of abuse lead to trauma.
However, when abuse occurs in a religious context, the trauma isnt only related to the harm caused.
Some may find themselvesdisconnected from their faith, making it impossible to use their spirituality as a coping tool.
Faith Is Shattered
In turn, this can create further despair and trauma.
Abuse in a religious context can rob survivors of their well-being, relationships, and belief system.
The impact of abuse as a whole can be devastating.
How to Get Help
Healing is possible.
Deconstruction aims to help you break down your trauma into smaller parts to address each slowly.This can alleviate overwhelm.
Consider finding a provider throughOpen Path Collective, an organization that offers therapy sessions beginning at $30.
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Published 2022 Sep 8. doi:10.1186/s40337-022-00635-5
