No Longer a Secret The Church and Violence Against Women

Violence against women happens in every country, age group and sector of society. Besides physical violence, it takes subtler form in psychological and emotional demeaning of women. Its extent is seldom acknowledged: its victims are often afraid or embarrassed to speak out - or silenced and discredited if they do. Churches too have turned a blind eye to its presence in their own institutional life, sometimes even condoning it. Few are ready to ask how their own structures may perpetuate abuse of power and keep women insecure and fearful.