Spiritual Abuse

What is Spiritual Abuse?

Spiritual abuse is when someone uses your religious or spiritual beliefs to hurt, scare, or control you. This can happen along with other types of abuse and domestic and family violence.

Anyone can experience spiritual abuse, no matter what their religious or spiritual beliefs are. Your background, religion, or beliefs are not the reason for the abuse.

Where Can Spiritual Abuse Happen?

Spiritual abuse can happen within religious groups to control members or in intimate partner relationships.

Examples of Spiritual Abuse

• Not allowing you to practise your religion at all or as you would like.
• Forcing you to participate in religious practices that you do not want to be part of.
• Misusing religious leaders or teachings to force you to stay in the relationship or to justify violence and abuse.
• Shaming or insulting you for your religious beliefs to hurt you.

Recognising Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse can be hard to recognise, but it is just as harmful as other types of abuse. Here are some signs:

• Feeling pressured to follow religious practices you don’t agree with.
• Being isolated from your religious community.
• Feeling guilty or scared because of your religious beliefs due to someone’s actions.
• Being told that leaving the abusive relationship is against your religion.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know has experienced spiritual abuse, help is available.

If you need help and it’s not an emergency, visit our Support Services Page. They can offer support and guidance.

Remember:

• You have the right to practise your religion freely.
• No one should use your beliefs to control or harm you.
• Support is available, and you are not alone.