For Immediate Release Contact: Juliet Vedral, 917-288-9529, jvedral@sojo.net
June 19th, 2014 Emily Esworthy, (410) 635-8720, emilyesworthy@imaworldhealth.org
New Poll Shows Pastors Often Poorly Informed on Domestic and Sexual Violence
Survey reveals need for better training and awareness within the church
WASHINGTON, DC — Millions of Americans report having experienced domestic and sexual violence. Despite the enormity of this problem, a new poll shows pastors often fail to address it appropriately and consider themselves ill-equipped to respond to incidents of violence within their communities.
A survey of 1,000 Protestant pastors conducted by LifeWay Research on behalf of Sojourners and IMA World Health found that an overwhelming majority of the faith leaders surveyed (74%) underestimate the level of sexual and domestic violence experienced within their congregations. Despite its prevalence in society, two out of three (65%) pastors speak once a year or less about the issue, and when they do address the issue, they may be providing support that does more harm than good.
Though this survey showed that churches are currently falling short of their potential, there was encouragement: 80% of pastors said they would take appropriate action to reduce sexual and domestic violence if they had the training and resources to do so—revealing a great opportunity to turn this uncertain and unprepared group into powerful advocates for prevention, intervention, and healing.
“This is a conversation the church needs to be having but isn’t,” said Sojourners’ President and Founder Jim Wallis. “We cannot remain silent when our sisters and brothers live under the threat of violence in their homes and communities.”
Rev. Amy Gopp, Director of Member Relations and Pastoral Care at Church World Service, noted, “I hope this report will educate faith leaders about the importance of reaching out to domestic violence programs in their communities and creating strong partnerships so that survivors are served in the way they deserve.”
The poll’s findings are unique, as the data on how pastors think about and address domestic and sexual violence is sparse. “Commissioning this report was critical,” stated Rick Santos, the President and CEO of IMA World Health, “as there is little information out there about what is actually happening in the U.S. faith community on this issue.”
A report detailing the poll’s findings and methodology, entitled “Broken Silence: A Call for Churches to Speak Out,” is available by clicking here.
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