ABOUT

BACKGROUND

As part of the 2021 Global Conference of Baptist Women hosted by Baptist World Alliance Women, Dr. Valerie Duval-Poujol and Rev. Jenni Entrican were preparing a workshop on Domestic Violence. They were moved to take this important information beyond a single workshop and felt a Spirit-stirred desire to create something with long lasting and positive impact.

They approached BWA Women Interim Executive Director Moreen Sharp with their ideas. A group of passionate and qualified women coordinated by Elissa Macpherson, President of the Baptist Women of the Pacific, and endorsed by the Baptist World Alliance and BWA Women, worked together to develop the Stand Against Domestic Violence global resource hub.

It brings together high quality resources to support individuals, congregations, and communities to stand against domestic violence and bring about the change required for women, children, and families to thrive.

It’s time to speak up. Never has there been a time where the voices of women have been needed as much or oppressed as greatly. Violence from one gender to the other is far from God’s heart and his good plan for us from creation. Jesus came to set things right.

Modeling his love, we will stand together. We will support where needed. We will speak up for those who have no voice (Prov. 3:8) alongside our Baptist sisters all over the world.

Karen Wilson

President, BWA Women

Now is the time to stand together to bring about the change that is required for women, children, and families to thrive.

As President of the Baptist World Alliance, I fully support this global project. I believe this ministry will have longstanding and positive impact in our families and communities.

I invite you to pray for this project and to get involved. Together we can make a difference.

Tomás Mackey

President, Baptist World Alliance

As people of faith, we must be on the frontlines – responding to needs with the love of Christ.

That’s why the BWA is committed to providing resources like Stand Against Domestic Violence to equip individuals and faith communities to respond to this global issue.

I am grateful for BWA Women’s leadership of this initiative, and I call on all of us to stand with them in love with a boldness that transcends and transforms violence.

Elijah Brown

General Secretary & CEO, BWA

WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE?

We use the United Nations definitions of domestic abuse.

“A pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.”

This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating.

We reflect and affirm the following BWA Resolutions on violence and abuse against women.

IS THIS PROJECT FOCUSED SOLELY ON WOMEN?

Because the vast majority of victims are women and we are a women’s organization, we have focused primarily on women and children. However, we are mindful that there are also male victims and will seek to provide resources that address this.

HOW WAS CONTENT SOURCED?

Reviewed by an internationally-represented editorial team, each resource was selected with intentionality for its quality and relevance. Although this is a Baptist initiative in its origins, the team has chosen to include resources from other Christian denominations. Since this is a plague impacting all Christians, we want to draw upon all of the resources available to ensure people of faith around the world are effectively equipped to stand against domestic violence.

CAN I CONTRIBUTE?

The resources on this site will continue to grow as new material is created across the world to address these issues. We welcome contributions and invite you to submit proposed resources using the form provided on the Contact Page. Upon receipt, members of the resource review committee will review the material and respond with any questions. Thank you in advance for your support in developing the depth and reach of this online resource.