Introduction to the resource

This book explores passages from the Bible to help us gain some insight into the impact of sexual violence on our communities and churches, and to suggest ways we can respond. These Bible studies are designed to be used in small groups, such as Bible study groups, Mothers’ Union meetings, youth groups or other church groups. They can also be used by individuals but more learning is likely to come in a group discussion setting. As the Bible is the foundation of Christian teaching, it is important to understand what it says on the issue of sexual violence.

OBJECTIVE

To equip churches to have a positive impact in preventing and responding to sexual violence in their church and community.

Why is this resource important?

The aim of the resource is to provide information and tools to enable individuals, local churches and communities to:

create an awareness of sexual violence and its impact on individuals and communities

explore what the Bible says about sexual violence and how this teaching can be applied identify if sexual violence happens in our own church and community understand our role and responsibility in relation to sexual violence

create ‘safe’ environments in churches for survivors of sexual violence

advocate for appropriate support for survivors to help them deal with the consequences of sexual violence. Sexual violence is defined by the World Health Organization as 'any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim'. Sexual violence happens in all countries across the world; it can happen within marriages, homes, churches and communities. Violence can be committed by someone known to the survivor or by a complete stranger. Violence can be experienced by anyone, regardless of ethnicity, age or social standing. Survivors can suffer severe physical and emotional consequences. They often feel shame and guilt as well as fear of stigma, discrimination and further violence, which leads to the issue not being reported or spoken of openly.

Churches are an integral part of communities worldwide, with a mandate to care and stand with people who are marginalised and vulnerable. Shame, fear and lack of understanding often lead to sexual violence being hidden in both churches and the wider communities. It is important to create an environment in which both men, women, girls and boys feel able to speak about these issues and share their own personal experiences. This resource is important as it seeks to empower all members of the church and community to break that silence and enable them to understand and respond to sexual violence together. Churches worldwide have huge untapped potential to be catalysts in transforming communities around this issue.