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22 March, 2023

Women Living in Poverty & Male Violence

Women Living in Poverty & Male Violence

In today's blog post, author, and former human rights solicitor, Claudine Roberts explores the link between violence against women and girls, and UK poverty. To watch a recent Jubilee+ interview with Claudine click here, or to listen in to her conversation with New Ground's 'Life & Leadership' podcast host, Jez Field, click here.

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Stories of male violence against women and girls (VAWG) cover the breadth of human experience.

My Cover to Cover Bible Study on the subject looks at (among others) the stories of Hagar, a slave, and Tamar, a princess, two women with vastly different social status. Indeed, the World Health Organisation estimates that one third of all women worldwide will experience physical and/or sexual violence by a partner, or sexual violence by a non-partner. It’s clear that VAWG truly is a global issue: global in terms of its effect on every nation and people group on earth, but also in terms of its effect on people of every class within each people group, rich and poor.

However, women living in poverty are at greater risk of male violence and they experience a range of different risk factors from those living in relative wealth.

Looking first at domestic abuse, just one form of VAWG, a financial disadvantage will have a direct impact on a woman’s options for escape. Many women simply have nowhere else to go. In recent research conducted by Women’s Aid, 73% of survivors said the cost of living crisis has made it harder or impossible to leave and they could not afford to support their children on a single income.

Bekah Legg is the CEO of Restored UK, one of the leading UK Christian charities speaking out on domestic abuse, equipping the church to respond, and supporting survivors. She says:

“Whilst we may all share a concern about feeding our children and paying the bills, the reality for those living with an abuser is that the impact goes much further. Just as the Covid lockdowns added to the isolation of abuse, the cost of living crisis is having the same effect. 67% of survivors told Women’s Aid that they had to spend more time at home either because they could not afford outside activities or because they had to work more to make ends meet. When your home is not a place of safety, the reality of this is horrifying.”*

Escalating debt, poor mental health and substance abuse or addiction are all risk factors for VAWG experienced disproportionately by those living in poverty. As more households are pushed into poverty by the cost of living crisis and some women find themselves spending an increasing amount of time in unsafe homes, others will encounter increased risk within the workplace. Some will experience sexual harassment or violence and feel unable to speak out, for fear of losing their employment. Some will turn to the sex industry, a form of sexual violence and exploitation in itself, which can also open the door to other forms of violence and abuse.

A huge shift in attitudes and culture is required if we want to see an end to VAWG. That shift must include policy changes at the heart of government. Government spending cuts have had a disproportionate impact on women’s incomes, their jobs and the public services they access, because a higher number of women than men are reliant on welfare benefits and public services. Women are heavier users of social care and are more likely to live in households with children. They are also more likely than men to be in households with no-one in employment because of caring responsibilities. The cost of living crisis is compounding financial disadvantage, and putting many women at increased risk of male violence.

How do we change the culture? Let’s start with us.

A better understanding of the biblical stories of violence against women will help change the culture and attitudes within the Church. If we truly see each woman and child as precious, bearing His image, that will certainly have a wider impact on our projects and churches, the communities we live in, our towns and cities, and our policy makers. It will make our churches safer places for victims and survivors of abuse to find help and escape danger. Bekah Legg (Restored UK) says:

“It could be that we’re able to provide well-informed support for those leaving an abuser or provide accommodation, but it doesn’t need to be that big: the toddler groups we run, the cafés, the drop-ins, food banks, and youth groups are all opportunities to build relationships with those we meet. We can give value to those who have systematically been persuaded that they have none, and at the very least provide a free, safe place to simply be.”*

Churches in the UK are uniquely placed to offer connection; relationship with others and relationship with God. Community is the antidote to the isolation that can allow VAWG to flourish. But more than that, as churches introduce victims, survivors and perpetrators of violence to Jesus, He brings about real change. Jesus challenges entitlement, bestows value and significance, and teaches us to love one another with a sacrificial love. Healthy churches can, by the grace of God, become places of rescue, recovery and restoration.

*Bekah Legg, 'Domestic Abuse and the Cost of Living', link here.

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Claudine’s Bible study, Violence Against Women: Discovering El Roi, The God Who Sees, is part of the Cover To Cover Bible Study series from Waverley Abbey and can be purchased by clicking here.



22 March, 2023

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