Our safeguarding training explores the dynamics of abuse when families believe in black magic and jinn – what forms it can take and the impact on individuals.
In the context of domestic abuse, the course will help participants to:
All of our training sessions hear from people with lived experience.
Length: 90 mins
Our training can be delivered in person or online. Please contact us to book a session for your team.
Overview:
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 / religion.
Examples of spiritual abuse may include:
Misusing scripture to gain power and control, requiring unquestioned obedience, coercive behaviour and threats of spiritual/religious consequences.
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 of spiritual abuse.
Support services:
Support is available for anyone experiencing / 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 (thirtyoneeight.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
Muslim Women Network (mwnuk.co.uk)
Conversation 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
LGBT Traveller Pride – Gypsy, Roma Traveller support
Useful resources:
What is Child Abuse Linked to Faith & Belief? – YouTube
Child witchcraft claims increasing as ‘hidden crime’ is investigated | Crime | The Guardian
Child abuse linked to faith or belief: National Action Plan – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Contextualising Female Jinn Possession in Sexual Trauma (researchgate.net)
Working safely with spiritual abuse (researchgate.net)
GoodTherapy | Shame and Silence: Recognizing Spiritual Abuse
Religious trauma and moral injury from LGBTQA+ conversion practices – ScienceDirect