Infographics

WITHIN
FOUR WALLS
Evangelicals and Domestic Violence in Cordoba, Argentina
Infographics
WITHIN
FOUR WALLS
Evangelicals and Domestic Violence in Cordoba, Argentina
Infographics
© Paz y Esperanza (Peace and Hope International)
© Comunidad y Cambio (Community and Change)
Villa María, Cordoba, Argentina
E-mail: [email protected]
www.comunidadycambio.org
November 2014
Team Coordinator: Graciela de Celis – Social Communicator
Leticia Pérez de Celis – Social Worker; Aylen Tymoszczuk –
Psychologist
Local Researchers: Vanina García, Melisa Sánchez, Eduardo
Zar, Máximo Siles, Elda Acosta, Aylen Tymoszczuk, Graciela de
Celis, Leticia Pérez de Celis, Eduardo Robayna.
Researcher: Paz y Esperanza Internacional: Social
Psychologist Mauricio Calderón C.
With the support of:
PRESENTATION
There is no doubt that Evangelical churches and other social
groups work intensively in the strengthening of families.
However, it is also undeniable that domestic violence is a
horrible reality within Argentinian homes. Are Christian families
acting as protective environments for the adults and children
who are part of them? And most important, how can we put an
end to domestic violence? One important step is to be aware of
the things that happen within the walls of the home. In doing
so, we will be able to foster homes where good treatment of
men, women and children may become a reality.
Therefore, Comunidad y Cambio —in partnership with
RESTORES and Paz y Esperanza— carried out a research in 2013
to determine whether violence is present within Evangelical
families in the Province of Cordoba. The purpose of this study
is to improve the pastoral practices of helping families and
fighting all kinds of partner violence.
This research gathered the insights of 359 people through
surveys, focus groups and in-depth interviews.
We’re grateful for the pastors, secular leaders, and professing
Evangelical women and men who took part in this study.
Here we share the highlighted outcomes of this research as
well as the proposed recommendations. You can download the
full report on the website: www.comunidadycambio.org
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WHAT IS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
According to the definition provided by the Violence against Women Act [26495], it is “any violent
action against women perpetrated by a family member, regardless of the place. It might affect the
dignity, welfare physical, psychological, sexual, financial or patrimonial integrity, and freedom
—including reproductive freedom and right to women’s full development—. A family member is
understood as a relative up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, marriage, unmarried
partners, couples or dating couples. It includes current or past relationships. Cohabitation is not a
requirement”.
This Act also states the different expressions of domestic violence
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Physical
Violence
Used against a woman’s body causing pain, hurt or risk of harm;
and any other form of mistreatment or aggression which may
affect her physical integrity.
Psychological
Violence
It causes emotional harm and a lowered self-esteem. It harms
or disturbs the full personal development. It pursues degrading
or controlling her actions, behaviours, beliefs and decisions
through using threats, harassment, restriction, humiliation,
dishonour, disrepute, manipulation or isolation.
Sexual
Violence
Any action which involves all forms of violation of a woman’s
right to decide voluntarily about her sexual or reproductive life
–whether genital intercourse or not– by using threats, coercion,
physical force or intimidation, including rape within marriage
or other bonding or kinship relationships –whether a couple
are cohabiting or not– such as forced prostitution, exploitation,
slavery, harassment, sexual abuse and sex trafficking.
Financial and
Patrimonial
Violence
Aimed to undermine women’s financial or patrimonial resources
through the disturbance of the possession, tenure or ownership
of her properties, loss, subtraction, destruction, retention or
embezzlement of objects, working tools, personal documents,
assets, shares and patrimonial law, and
Symbolic
Violence
Domination, inequality and discrimination are transmitted
and reproduced in social relationships by using stereotyped
patterns, messages, values, icons or signs. It normalizes women’s
subordination in society.
IS THE FAITH A PROTECTIVE ELEMENT
AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
“In marriage we’re submitted to one another in love. Therefore, he should look after
me and so will I. He should decide, I have to support him. However, when I decide, he
supports me as well.” (Focal Group for Female leaders and pastors)
“I think there are many churches where the verse “Wives, submit to your husbands” is
taken out of context —when you’re going through a violence situation— and they send
you back home.” (GF Battered women)
”“The submission of woman is to respect man and make sure he is respected at home (...)
I think it’s something mutual. The woman ensures respect and establishes her principles.
She submits to her husband, but voluntarily”. (Director)
“From Biblical literalism, there is a prime place for the paradigmatic text of Genesis 1 —
but I think this is the text that makes justice—. The other text is the one about the rib (…)
it has been read from a patriarchal perspective as well.” (FG Male pastors and leaders).
“God loves me so much that it wouldn’t matter if I break a marriage because I’m battered.
I think of God as my dad. He suffered greatly for what I went through. So I think He
doesn’t want, he didn’t want that to happen.” (GF Battered women)
“My wife was talking about this topic in a radio program and three pastors’ wives called
within the hour, among many people. They were women who experienced physical
violence. While one of them was talking, she suddenly hung up.” (FG pastors and leaders)
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THE SAMPLE
Quantitative results were taken from the answers of men and women who are
part of ecclesial communities from the Province of Cordoba. They answered a
35 questions survey about knowledge of the concept of domestic violence, risk
factors, frequency of violence in Evangelical homes, coping mechanisms for
dealing with violence and religiosity scale.
359 participants,
160 are men and 199 are women
Of the
El 40,6% are high-school graduate
47,6% are university graduates
11,8% are primary school dropouts
or didn’t complete primary schooling
31,5% are 31 to 40 years old
15,7% are under 30 years old
52,8% are over the age of 40
Evangelical groups included in this
research are Historical Protestants (4%),
Evangelical Protestants (27,4%),
Pentecostals and Neo-Pentecostals (68,6%).
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23,2% of the participants have been attending
Evangelical churches between 1 a 10 years
and 76,7% more than 11 years
95,5% are married or they
have had a partner at some
point of their lives
76,8% say they are part of a
ministry in a church
Regarding the financial contribution to
home, 48,6% are supported by men
and 46,1% by women
Finally 97% of the married/
cohabiting participants say
their partner confessed to be an
Evangelical Christian
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS PRESENT
INSIDE EVANGELICALHOMES
1 out of 5 people acknowledges
the existence of financial violence
2 out of 10
Evangelical adults
deny the possibility of
domestic violence in homes
HOWEVER
3 out of 10
Evangelical adults
say they have suffered domestic
violence and/or abuse in the
2013
2012
2011
last three years
When they were children...
4 out of 10
participants were
victims of violence
5 out of 10
Evangelicals witnessed
violence situations
8
3 out of 10
Evangelical
women and
2 out of 10 men
were sexual
abuse victims
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FOR EVANGELICALS?
8 out of 10
think domestic violence is a reflection of
abusive experiences during childhood
7 out of 10
blame the use of
drugs and alcohol
6 out of 10
blame the
devil and his influence
4 out of 10
think people are
violent by nature
4 out of 10
lattribute domestic violence to
mental problems
4 out of 10
think violent acts result from
a momentary loss of control
4 out of 10
think the spouse is violent because
he/she is involved in an affair
3 out of 10
think a wife is battered because she
doesn’t submit to her husband
3 out of 10
think there is domestic violence
because of lack of financial resources
9
VIOLENCE AMONG EVANGELICAL
COUPLES
1 out of 10 Evangelicals
thinks that reporting cases of domestic violence to the
authorities affects the testimony of the Church
7 out of 10 men and 7 out of 10 women
think women’s submission to men is not God’s will in
cases of domestic violence
2 out of 10 men and 1 out of 10 women
think women’s submission to their husbands in cases of
domestic violence is God’s will
2 out of 10 women and 1 out of 10 men
identified their spouse as responsible for any kind of
violence
2 out of 10 Evangélicals
say their spouses ignore them and refuse affection to
them and their children
2 out of 10 Evangélicals
experience some kind of violence when his/her spouse
is under stress
1 out of 10 Evangélicals
experiences some kind of violence when they
argue with his/her spouse because of money
10
WHAT DO EVANGELICALS DO
WHEN THEY EXPERIENCE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
7 out of 10 women and men
have looked for help at least once
4 out of 10
women and
2 out of 10 men
looked for help
from the pastor
4 out of
women and
1 out of 10 men
looked for help
from friends
and relatives
WHERE DID YOU
LOOK FOR HELP?
4 out of 10
women and 2 out
of 10 men looked
for help from
church members
4 out of 10
women looked
for help from
police or other
institutions
WHY DID YOU NOT LOOK FOR HELP?
45.5% of women: “I was embarrassed or humiliated”
60% of men and 36.4% of women: “I was not injured”
40% of men and 27.3% of women: “It’s part of everyday life/it’s
normal”
18.2% of women: “My children need to grow with their father”, “I
did not have money”, “To keep up appearances”, “I don’t trust the
justice system”
9.1% of women: “It won’t happen again”, “I was afraid of losing
him”, “I don’t want to hurt him”, “It was my fault”, “I don’t know
where to go”, “My pastor advised me not to go to court”.
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COMPARED WITH THE AVERAGE POPULATION,
EVANGELICAL COUPLES SHOW SIMILAR DATA
COMPARED WITH THE
AVERAGE, IN THE OVERALL
SOCIETY
25% of Argentinian women are victims of domestic
violence. It is estimated that 50% of them will
experience an abusive situation at some point of their
lives.1 10% of Evangelical women experienced abusive
situations from their partners in the last three years
Every 30 hours, a woman was murdered because
of gender violence in Argentina in 2013
Of the 3,451,910 inhabitants in the Province of
Cordoba, 1 out of 101 people reports a case of
domestic violence
In the Province of Cordoba, 90% of the cases
report verbal, psychological or emotional
violence, while 43% of the cases report physical
violence. There are reports of financial (6%) and
sexual violence reports (5%) as well
1
12
Fundación AVON Argentina. Observatorio de Feminicidios. Casa del Encuentro.
CHURCH COMMITMENT TO PROMOTE
VIOLENCE-FREE AND
PEACEBUILDERS FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
1
2
3
4
5
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UNDERSTAND AND PUT INTO PRACTICE
the real Biblical meaning of human
dignity, mutual submission, equality and the differences between men and women.
Nourish a healthy and respectful relationship between partners emphasizing the gifts
and talents given by God to each one of the. Review our problem-solving strategies.s.
DON’T COVER UP THE ABUSE.
We won’t hide the violence that may occur in
the homes. If we experience mistreatment or abuse, we will raise the alarm with our
families, our trusted spiritual leaders and if necessary, to the official authorities. We will
look for professional, legal and pastoral help.
BUILD A COMPREHENSIVE CARING ENVIRONMENT FOR FAMILIES IN THE
CHURCHES. We believe “Christian testimony” is strengthened when abuse and
mistreatment cases against women and children are exposed. We will ensure
perpetrators are held accountable. If I am a pastor, I will generate spaces where
children, women and men who experience domestic violence. I will support them as
they deal with the situation they are going through.
TEACH GOOD TREATMENT WITHIN THE FAMILY.
We will teach about good
treatment through words and good examples in our families; through Sunday school,
youth and women groups, family gatherings; from the pulpit and in theological
seminaries; and lastly, with Mass Media. We will solve problems without violence by
using dialogue and respecting each other.
REVISE the way discipline and punishment are applied to boys and girls through
constructive, loving and respectful ways, abolishing the physical punishment and
humiliating treatment. Learn to set limits in a non-violent way.
COOPERATE WITH SOCIETY
eby eliminating all kinds of violence between men
and women; investing time and resources from churches in endeavors that may affirm
good treatment among all —especially with children— as well as affirming the role of
protector that authorities must fulfill.
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
Throughout the country:
yy Free National Helpline 144 to prevent gender violence.
yy National Council for Women
http://www.cnm.gov.ar/GNR/GuiaNacionalDeRecursosArgentina.html
Province of Cordoba
yy http://www.cnm.gov.ar/GNR/GuiaNacionalDeRecursosCordoba.html
yy Department of Domestic Violence under the Ministry of Social Development of the
Province of Cordoba (0351) 4372188/89 --- 0800-888-9898 (24 hours) Av. Olmos 175,
Cordoba.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
yy Comunidad y Cambio, It’s a non-profit civil association that aims to promote
comprehensive development of people and their communities through equal opportunity,
justice, solidarity and cooperation. It also offers workshops to prevent domestic violence,
sexual abuse and violence against children and teenagers; and build protective churches for
child development. www.comunidadycambio.org
Organizaciones evangélicas Internacionales:
yy Restored (United Kingdom). An International Christian Partnership that work to transform
relationships to end violence against women. According to their vision, they expect Latin
American society may reject gender violence against women and promote a positive and
inclusive manhood. This vision is based on God intends to create man and woman to His
image and likeness, with the same dignity and rights. www.restoredrelationships.org
yy Paz y Esperanza. A Christian organization focused on human rights that work in Peru,
Ecuador and Bolivia. Visit: www.pazyesperanza.org You can find bibliographic resoruces at:
www.institutopaz.net
yy Claves. Since 1995, the Program Claves de Juventud para Cristo Uruguay has been
developing methodologies to promote strengthening elements for children and teenagers.
Also, they intend to join forces to prevent abuse and violence in Latin America.
www.claves.org.uy
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PRAYER
Lord
yy Forgive my lack of sensibility and love for those You love.
yy Fill our heart with love for the widows, the orphans and the foreigners just as your Word
commands.
yy Forgive me for the times my attitudes and words have hurt those whom I love. Forgive me for
the times I haven’t asked forgiveness, denying the consequences of my actions.
yy Forgive us because we have taught our children to fear, to feel less worthy and take revenge.
Forgive us because we have showed them an indifferent god, not the loving and respectful
God who has revealed Himself to us.
yy We pray for every Argentinian family who experiences domestic violence. Let us bring your
peace, guidance and love.
yy Let me treat my family well. Let me be patient with my partner and children. Don’t let me put
them down nor batter them with my lips or hands.
yy We want to seek God’s Kingdom and His justice every day of our lives on behalf of our families,
churches and community.
yy I pray that I will never be indifferent again to the pain of women, men and children. Let your
arm be my arm; and your passion, my passion.
Make your hands ours Lord!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Mathew 6:33
New International Version (NIV)
15
The purpose of this study is to eliminate domestic violence within
Argentinian homes. Evangelical churches are very important spaces
to promote well treatment among family members. A significant
step to eliminate the scourge of violence and abuse among people is
to recognize and raise awareness of the problem in our own homes.
Therefore, we have asked ourselves the following questions::
yy How is domestic violence evidenced?
yy What are churches members’ beliefs about? Are these beliefs and
practices healthy? Do they support violence? Do they perpetuate
violence?
Comunidad y Cambio aims to:
yy Promote an academic discussion about the impact of Christian faith
and practice on family health and relationships within theological
training spaces, including the ecclesiastical leadership.
yy Write a paper to be discussed with pastors, churches and theological
seminaries in order to elaborate a renewed pastoral care of family that
may respond to contemporary issues and demands.
yy Formulate guidelines for public policies based on objective
information about the evangelical population.
yy Spread messages that can contribute to build a more just society with
greater hope for people of all ages.