Spiritual abuse is a form of coercive and controlling behaviour that is characterised by a person or institution using their ‘divine position’ or beliefs to enforce or control behaviour or belief in another person or group. Sadly, spiritual abuse can happen anywhere, including in faith communities, education settings and the home.

One significant factor in spiritual abuse is the use of divine position that is unchallengeable, whether a faith leader, a parent, or a spouse. If your autonomy to behave or believe differently is met with spiritual threats or punishment then it is likely you have experienced spiritual abuse. Being threatened with eternal consequences, removal from a faith community or isolation within your family for failing to conform is spiritual abuse.

Spiritual abuse might also occur when someone uses spiritual practices such as prayer or prophecy to coerce or manipulate your decision making or behaviour. A hallmark of spiritual abuse is where you are required to give unquestioning obedience or agreement to the abuser or community in a way that denies your personhood and freedom of thought.

Spiritual abuse has devastating emotional and spiritual consequences and it is psychologically damaging and harmful. Spiritual abuse has profound effects on our sense of self, relationship with faith communities and the Divine.

Knowing that someone will hear, believe and bear witness to your experience is vital for healing.