What is spiritual abuse?
| Friday, May 15 2009 06:01 PM
Last Updated Friday, May 15 2009 06:01 PM
SPIRITUAL ABUSE
In observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Week, today's Faith section looks at the issue of "spiritual abuse."
The contributing writers of today's stories say spiritual abuse sometimes accompanies physical, sexual or emotional abuse and manifests itself in a variety of ways:
Abusers may prevent victims from attending church or participating in Bible studies or other comforting spiritual activities.
Victims say abusers sometimes belittle their faith or tell them they're going to hell, or that God doesn't love them or can't protect them.
Perpetrators can use holy texts or God's name to justify their abuse or control by saying such things as, "The Bible says women must submit to their husbands," or "God says children have to obey their parents in all things."
Abusers may harm victims before church, then sit with them during service and act piously so others won't suspect that abuse is going on.
Abusers in a position of authority in a congregation can use that leverage to control their victims, or to discredit any claims of abuse.
For people who value their faith, spiritual abuse can be devastating, according to Paul Rozell of Kern County Aging and Adult Services.
Some resources
To find help in dealing with issues of spiritual, sexual, physical or emotional abuse, call:
* Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, 327-1091
* Adult Protective Services, a part of the County of Kern Aging and Adult Services Department, 868-1006
* Kern County Department of Human Services Child Abuse Hotline, 631-6011
* Bakersfield Police Department, 327-7111
* Kern County Sheriff's Office, 861-3110
-- Louis Medina may be reached at lmedina@bakersfield.com or 395-7496.
