While spiritual and religious abuse is a lesser known type of violence in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), it is associated with negative emotional, psychological and trauma-related impacts.

This paper provides an overview of the evidence on spiritual and religious abuse in the context of IPV and its impact on victim-survivors. The paper also provides some considerations for practitioners and other professionals working to support individuals experiencing spiritual and religious abuse.

Key messages:

• Spiritual abuse is a type of emotional and psychological abuse where a person uses coercive and controlling behaviours within a religious or spiritual context (e.g. using religious teachings to justify or minimise abusive behaviours).
• Spiritual and religious abuse may be subtle and difficult for practitioners and service providers to recognise without other forms of abuse (e.g. physical violence) being present.
• Spirituality/religion can have a dual role in relation to intimate partner violence (IPV). It can serve as an important coping mechanism for women experiencing IPV but can also contribute to the drivers of IPV.
• Spiritual and religious abuse is not limited or confined to any particular religions/faiths or communities.
• Spiritual and religious abuse is linked to emotional and psychological distress, social isolation, and negative feelings about one’s faith and identity.
• Practitioners and services supporting victim-survivors of IPV need greater awareness of the intersection between IPV and religion/spirituality/faith. They may also consider routinely assessing whether victim-survivors have spiritual or religious beliefs and practices that are important to them.