Any try to exert power and control over someone through religion, faith or beliefs will be spiritual abuse. Spiritual abuse can occur inside a spiritual organization or a private relationship.
Spiritual abuse just isn’t limited to at least one religion, denomination or group of individuals. It can occur in any religious group as a component of kid abuse, elder abuse or domestic violence. Domestic violence, also often called intimate partner violence, generally is a problem in relationships of all ages, genders, socioeconomic classes, ethnic groups and locations.
Abuse is a pattern during which one person (be it an intimate partner or an authority figure) uses fear, intimidation, violence, or other harm to regulate one other person. Abuse may cause severe trauma and have a major impact in your mental health. It's vital to keep in mind that abuse is rarely your fault.
Spiritual abuse can happen in numerous situations. An individual doesn’t should be a member of your loved ones or a spiritual leader to spiritually abuse you.
Religious abuse
One type of spiritual abuse, religious abuse, occurs inside a spiritual organization. An example of spiritual abuse is a spiritual leader using scriptures or beliefs to coerce or control the behavior of members of the organization. You may experience religious or spiritual abuse if a spiritual leader:
- They have used scriptures or beliefs to humiliate or embarrass you
- Forced you to provide money or other resources you didn't want to provide
- Forced you to be intimate or have sex you didn't want
- You felt pressured or obligated to do things against your will
These abusive tactics will be present in each large, recognized faith organizations and cults. Often, leaders of pseudo-religious groups use spirituality to exert control over their followers. This can have serious consequences for adults and youngsters.
Spiritual Abuse at Home
Spiritual abuse doesn’t necessarily should be perpetrated by a spiritual leader; it could even be a facet of domestic violence. Domestic violence is way more than physical violence – hitting, kicking and slapping. There are also many psychological and emotional elements that cause great harm and suffering.
An abusive partner who uses spiritual abuse might:
- Shame, mock, or mock your religious beliefs or practices
- Prevent you from practicing your religion the best way you would like
- Use your beliefs to govern or bully you
- Demand that your kids be raised with/with out a particular religion
- Use religious texts or beliefs to justify other kinds of abuse (physical, sexual, financial, etc.).
People who experience abuse often feel ashamed or isolated and will query whether or not they need to be treated poorly. Abuse is rarely the victim's fault. Whether at home or inside a spiritual organization, abuse is at all times the fault of the perpetrator.
Religion and spirituality ought to be a source of comfort, peace, community and inspiration in your life. If this just isn’t the case, chances are you’ll be experiencing spiritual abuse.
You could also be experiencing spiritual abuse in case your religious leader or partner uses scriptures or religious beliefs to regulate:
- Clothing
- Behave
- sexuality
- decision making
- The alternative to have children or not
- Finance
If you’re feeling like you’re experiencing spiritual abuse – whether from a spiritual organization or as a part of intimate partner violence – help is obtainable. You don't should endure such trauma alone. You need to feel protected.
Some ways to cope with spiritual abuse include:
- Leaving the organization or relationship
- Talk to a trusted friend or member of the family
- Speak to a hotline or animal shelter attorney
If you’re experiencing mental abuse, there are a lot of resources you may turn to for support.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers a toll-free number (1-800-799-SAFE) and a chat option on its website.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence also offers a lot of resources for individuals who fear they might be a victim of abuse.
Additionally, many communities have domestic violence shelters with trained advocates and resources for individuals who are victims of any sort of abuse.