77.8% – 80% of Pastors Do Not Feel Adequately Prepared to Counsel Victims
Can you pick her out? Probably not. She’s become really good at faking her smile, stuffing her emotions – and typically doesn’t have any visible bruises. John 10:10 explains, “The thief (the devil) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Christ) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a health crisis that affects thousands of women each year. In fact, 1 in 3 women around you are experiencing some form of abuse. Although men do certainly experience IPV, the purpose and research of this content is based on statistics regarding women. There is a correlation between clergy who are trained (and not- trained) in domestic abuse/IPV prevention and education and satisfaction levels of their clients seeking pastoral counseling. The literature shows that most clergy, regardless of their gender, feel ill-prepared to counsel victims of abuse. If a woman feels satisfied by the level of care from her church leadership, she will likely continue on with pastoral counseling for abuse. In return, this may positively impact the health and wellbeing of women seeking pastoral counseling for IPV.
Let’s define intimate partner violence (IPV): Intimate partner violence (IPV) includes verbal abuse, threats, physical violence, psychological abuse, control of economic resources, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. IPV is the most frequent cause of posttraumatic stress disorder diagnosed among women. A study by Zust et al., (2021) reported that most congregates would prefer counseling through their pastors for domestic abuse related issues. However, 77.8% – 80% of pastors did not feel adequately prepared to counsel victims. Additionally, a study by Houston-Kolnik et al., (2019) surveyed men and women Evangelical Protestant leaders (N = 20) who averaged ten years in ministry positions in high income locations did not have established policies, processes, or programs in place in which to respond to IPV.
Power &
Control Wheel
Intimate partner violence (IPV) includes verbal abuse, threats, physical violence, psychological abuse, control of economic resources, sexual abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding and training for evangelical church leaders regarding domestic abuse. Even though the research shows that one in three women are victims of domestic abuse, there is little research contributing to a solution within the religious communities as a whole. Churches have an opportunity to play an important role in the prevention of domestic abuse within communities because the church is considered by many to be a refuge. However, the literature shows that most church leaders, regardless of gender, feel unqualified and ill-prepared to provide adequate support to members of the congregation who seek out help. Many women are told if “just do more, be more, or even be less… it will all sort itself out.” Once resource, The Emotionally Destructive Marriage, by Leslie Vernick, offers insight and facts for women seeking to understand what is happening to them. Many eventually find the courage to call the crazy-making what it is — abuse. Countless women have found the courage to walk away, find healing, and reclaim their God-given gifts, talents, and identity in Christ that was likely shredded along the way. Christ can turn the ashes into beauty and wisdom from those dark valleys.
Professional counselors are encouraged to be scientist-practitioners by being involved in research and are also encouraged to be involved in advocacy. You do not have to be a professional to get involved in the solution. One way is to contact local churches to offer to connect them with IPV prevention and educational training for clergy. Many clergy have a heart to help victims of abuse, but feel they are ill-prepared. Another way to help is to contact your local domestic violence organization in your community and ask to take their volunteer training. Pastors, you can call to schedule a training for yourself, staff, and your congregation.
Understanding that the local church may be the first place a victim seeks help should warrant an immediate response from clinicians to assist with training. If a woman feels supported by her church leadership, she will likely continue on with pastoral counseling because she will find it beneficial. Conversely, when an abused woman seeks out help and is met with misunderstanding, shame, and poor counsel, she may quit counseling and fall back into the cycle of abuse with her abuser.
Isaiah 43:19, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” God is looking to partner with individuals. We are his hands and feet here on earth. When a woman prays for a way out of her wilderness, God uses people in a tangible way to help her. Imagine a community where counselors partner with local clergy to adequately train them in IPV prevention and education – women, children, and families could have the potential to find healing and thrive. He makes all things new as we co-labor with him in the fields.
Gratefully,
Kelly Roberson, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
Keywords: domestic abuse, IVP, religion, counseling, women, evangelical church, clergy