Spiritual abuse

Spiritual abuse is sometimes called religious abuse
It happens when someone uses spiritual or religious beliefs to hurt, scare or control you
Spiritual abuse can be a form of domestic and family violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing spiritual abuse, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services:
- Available 24/7: Call, text or online chat
- Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST (except national public holidays): Video call (no appointment needed)

What is spiritual abuse?

Spiritual abuse happens when someone uses spiritual or religious beliefs to hurt, scare or control you. It can involve someone forcing you or your children to participate in spiritual or religious practices when you don't want to. It can also involve someone refusing to allow you to participate in spiritual or religious practices that are important to you.

There may be a pattern to the behaviour that happens again and again. Sometimes other types of abuse are going on at the same time. If this kind of abuse is being used to scare and control you it may be domestic or family violence.

Spiritual abuse might include:

Stopping you from practising your religious or spiritual beliefs
Forcing you to raise your children according to spiritual beliefs you don’t agree with
Forcing you to participate in religious practices that you don't want to participate in
Using religious or spiritual leaders or teachings to:
- Force you to stay in relationship or marriage
- Excuse violence and abuse
- Blame your for violence and abuse
- Encourage you to accept violence and abuse
- Stop you or your children from getting medical or health care
- Force or pressure you into a marriage you don't want
Stopping you from returning home to Country
Shaming or insulting your religious or spiritual beliefs.

Spiritual abuse can be a form of domestic and family violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing spiritual abuse it is OK to ask for help.

It can involve someone forcing you or your children to participate in spiritual or religious practices when you don't want to.

Who is responsible for spiritual abuse?

Spiritual abuse can happen in an institutional environment, such as a religious, learning or care environment. It can also happen in any relationship, including with:

Boyfriends, girlfriends, partners, husbands or wives
Ex-boyfriends, ex-girlfriends, ex-partners, ex-husbands or ex-wives
Carers or paid support workers
Parents, guardians or other family members
Adult children
Other people you live with or see often, whether inside or outside the home.

None of these people has the right to stop you from following your religious or spiritual beliefs, or force you to follow theirs.

Next steps

Neglect

Neglect happens when you are denied the things you need to live a safe, comfortable, healthy life. If you are experiencing neglect it is important to know that support is available.

Financial abuse

Financial abuse involves someone using money in ways to hurt you, like forcing you to get loans you don't want. It is a form of domestic or family violence and it is not OK.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse happens when someone deliberately hurts your body, or takes away your control of your body. Physical abuse can be a form of domestic and family violence.