Let’s be honest - if there’s one topic guaranteed to make the congregation uncomfortable, it’s sex. But if we want to end domestic abuse in our churches, isn’t it time we talked about it?

Our 2019 research, ‘In Churches Too’, revealed that 57% of churchgoers had never heard a sermon about domestic abuse of any kind, yet over half the perpetrators from the study were Christians. We want to break the silence.

We know the ugly truth: domestic abuse is as prevalent in churches as it is in wider society. It can take many forms, all equally awful. Let’s break the silence about sex, consent, and sexual violence within Christian relationships, too.

It may be uncomfortable, but each conversation helps shape the culture of our churches into one that recognises consent, recognises abuse, and never tolerates it. Your voice can help bring this change.

So where do we begin? We’d love to help you learn more, pray more, and speak more about domestic abuse and sexual violence. Our website has lots of resources, training opportunities, and prayer points to get you started: http://www.restored-uk.org/i-want-to-help/ 

We know talking about sex and sexual violence isn’t easy, but the reality of abuse is too devastating to stay silent. #SexualViolenceAwarenessWeek reminds us that we’re not alone in speaking up against sexual abuse.

Thank you for making even small steps forward. Thank you for adding your voice to the many campaigning for justice.
#ItsNotOK #ItsNotOK2021 #ChurchToo @itsnotok2021