LEARNING CENTRE
Spiritual / faith-based abuse
What is it?
Spiritual abuse is a form of abuse characterised by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in a religious, spiritual, faith or belief context. Spiritual abuse is not limited to a certain religion or denomination and can take place in non-religious settings.
It is important to understand that spiritual and religious practices are not in themselves abusive. However, spiritual abuse takes place when perpetrators justify their actions under the guise of spirituality or religion.
As with all abuse, spiritual abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual and/or financial.
Any person of any belief system is capable of perpetrating spiritual abuse, just as anyone can be the victim survivor of spiritual abuse. In particular, the following groups/individuals should be considered at potential risk:
- If there is belief about witchcraft or similar in the local community and/or an influential person who promotes abuse as a solution
- A person perceived to be ‘different’ by the family, e.g children with SEND or who are gifted and talented/higher attaining
- Those from the LGBTQIA+ community
- Those with ongoing ill health or who were born following a difficult pregnancy
- Children who live with extended family, carers or, in particular, are in private foster placements
There are several forms of harm associated with spiritual abuse, for example:
- Physical abuse can include beating, burning, stabbing, cutting and strangling
- Withholding of medical treatment
- Sexual abuse can include inappropriate touching by faith leaders, being asked to perform sexual acts, and rape
- Guilt or spiritual bypassing
- Loss of identity
- Coercive control
- Humiliation and shaming tactics
There are many reasons why a person might experience spiritual abuse:
- To maintain ‘order’ within a spiritual group
- A lack of understanding of mental health
- To provide forms of ‘healing’
- To maintain power and control
- To prevent someone from practicing their religious belief
- Upholding tradition
- For children – affirming ‘good practice’ and what the community would expect of them
While there is not an official, legal definition of spiritual abuse, the issues that arise with cases often come under pre-existing laws such as the Domestic Abuse Act for adults, and under Child Protection Laws for children. Charges can relate to domestic abuse and coercive control, sexual assault and rape, psychological abuse, child abuse and neglect.
These are some of the warning signs that spiritual abuse may currently be taking place, or has previously taken place:
- Physical injuries
- Wearing amulets, ta’wiz or charms
- Smell - related to rituals or sacrifices
- Mention of cleansing or ritual, or consumption/application of holy water/ oils
- Removal from groups, education or work
- Self-harm, eating disorders, attempted suicide
- Subject to financial, emotional or physical control
- Depression/ isolation
- Change in appearance or personal care
- Visible animosity from carers/ family members
Signs of spiritually abusive partners or religious leaders include highlighting the ‘disobedience’ of individuals within a spiritual group, criticism of other belief systems, chastisement and shaming of followers, and threats of spiritual consequences for nonconformity.
Further information:
Spiritual Abuse: Signs and Is Separating Okay for Healing? (themendproject.com)
What can we do?
Call 999 if someone is in immediate danger
Report to your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Report to Social Care / MASH if appropriate
Link with a specialist agency upon obtaining consent (if the victim survivor is an adult)
Offer non-judgmental emotional support
Keep accurate records and use professional curiosity when asking questions
Specialist support services for spiritual abuse
Support is available for anyone experiencing or at risk of spiritual abuse, as well as those who are worried for someone they know.
AFRUCA – referrals only 0207 704 2261
The Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network
WHRIN – The Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network
31:8 – 0207 735 8941
Thirtyone:eight home page (thirty eight.org)–
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000
What You Need to Know About Child Trafficking | NSPCC
National FGM Centre (CALF) – for training and advice
Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief – National FGM Centre
LWA – Living Without Abuse – 0808 80 200 28
Religious and Spiritual Abuse | lwa.org.uk : LWA
Replenished – 07746 153703 inbox@replenished.life
Nour – DV support (contact through form on website)
Safe Spaces – survivors of church-related abuse (First Light) – 0300 303 1056
Home – Safe Spaces England and Wales
Support Line – 01708 765200
SupportLine – Confidential Emotional Support for Children, Young Adults and Adults
Latin American Women’s Aid – 020 727 50321
LAWA – Latin American Women’s Aid (lawadv.org.uk)
Latin American Women’s Rights Service – 0808 145 4909
LAWRS – Latin American Women’s Rights Service
The Traveller Movement – 0754 1637 795
Sistah Space – 020 7846 8350
Project Salama – 01635 953588
Jewish Women’s Aid – 0808 801 0500
Jewish Women’s Aid (jwa.org.uk)
Muslim Women’s Network – 0800 999 5786
Conversion therapy:
GALOP- 0800 130 3335 helpline
Helplines – Galop the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity – Galop
LGBT Foundation – 0345 3 30 30 30
House of Rainbow – +447521130179
Naz and Matt Foundation – support@nazandmattfoundation.org
Support – Naz and Matt Foundation
Mind Out – 01273 234 839
MindOut | Mental Health Charity for LGBTQ community
Hidayah – hello@hidayahlgbt.co.uk
Hidayah LGBT • Gender, Sexuality and Islam
Support U – 0118 321 9111
Your LGBT+ Resource for the Thames Valley – Support U
Switchboard LGBT+- 0800 0119 100
Traveller Pride – CONTACT | LGBT Traveller Pride