 | She feels responsible for causing the abuse and believes it is her job to make it
better. |
| She believes that she is the only one in the congregation who has been abused. |
| She may not know that information told to clergy is confidential and cannot be released
without her permission. |
| She fears retribution from the abuser. |
| She may have interpreted scripture or had the Bible used to justify her mistreatment. |
| She has never been asked if she is in danger or being abused. |
| Her batterer may be well respected and in a position of authority within the church or
social community. |
| She may be isolated and not able to see her minister without the batterer being present. |
| She believes that the church leaders will not understand or will be unwilling to get
involved. |
| She feels protective of her relationship and responsible for keeping the family
together. |
| She feels shame and humiliation that this is happening to her. |
| She hopes that he will change and wants to believe his promises that the violence won't
happen again. |
| She believes that she is the only one who can change him. |
