Spiritual Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence in the Catholic Church in Poland

Abstract

Spiritual consequences of domestic violence and the possibility of helping its survivors by the Catholic Church differ from the ones provided by the state. The Church sees every human being as a gift of life offered by the Creator. According to His teachings, the purpose of life, the purpose of Christian spirituality, is reaching fullness both temporally and eternally. Therefore, all human experiences – good and bad – have a deep sense and purpose. Violence, which has been with us since the very beginning of humanity, is evil that we have to renounce and atone for; it is a contradiction of love. However, no matter what penalty is administered on a guilty person, God gives a sacrament of confession, which is one of the healing sacraments that open the way to repentance and forgiveness. One has to bear in mind that regardless of its form – physical, psychological, economical, or self-destructing behavior – every act of violence is, for a believer, not only a violation against human norms but also a sin against God’s majesty. Clerics can and should help both victims and perpetrators of violence because they have experience and knowledge of human problems and tragedies; on the one hand, they perform the sacrament of reconciliation, on the other hand, they can work with families struck by violence, supporting them on the way to reconciliation and forgivenes.