Gender-based violence and gospel transformation

The following article contains themes around gender-based violence.

As I began to write this article, I felt compelled to address a sensitive yet crucial topic: the impact of gender-based violence and the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of women.

Growing up, I witnessed a cultural shift in how South Asian women are treated. More women are now bravely speaking out against oppression, yet beneath this progress lies centuries of cultural shame surrounding how women should act, dress, and communicate. While Western societies often offer greater freedom, many parts of South Asia still perpetuate oppressive practices, including honour-based killings and forced marriages.

This duality creates a complex landscape where women navigate expectations both from their cultural roots and from their evolving identities.

Cultural expectations and gender inequality in South Asia

Traditionally, sons were valued as the bearers of the family name, while daughters were often seen as burdens, expected to marry and take on new identities. I recall chilling accounts of infanticide of newborn girls, driven by fears surrounding dowry (what the bride brings financially to her marriage) and societal pressure. The blame for not producing male heirs frequently fell on women, exacerbating their victimisation. Moreover, women have had to navigate issues which disproportionately impact women more than men such as colourism, body image, mistreatment from in-laws, and established hierarchies in which men eat first and women follow.

According to the United Nations, an estimated 736 million women – almost one in three – have experienced physical and/ or sexual violence from intimate partners, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their lifetime. In the UK alone, the Office for National Statistics reported that 1.4 million women and 751,000 men suffered domestic violence in the past year (2023), with 8.2% of victims being female and aged between 16 and 19. Notably, 3.2% of these cases involved South Asian women. It is important to recognise that these figures reflect only reported incidents; many cases go unreported due to the culture of shame, known as ‘sharam’ in South Asian cultures.

Breaking the silence: the role of shame in domestic violence cases

While societal attitudes are evolving, with both women and men increasingly speaking out against abuse, a troubling undercurrent remains. Victims often face disbelief or cultural pressures that silence their voices. The highest rates of domestic-violence reports in the UK have been recorded in West Yorkshire and Humberside, highlighting a significant issue in what appears to be a largely South Asian community.

The stigma surrounding shame is an important factor. Many individuals endure painful experiences that, despite their strength, lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and self-blame. These experiences do not merely affect the victims; they ripple through families and friendships, fostering an environment where silence is preferred over open dialogue. This tendency to maintain privacy, prevalent across cultures, doesn’t help with stigma for those suffering in silence.

I do believe that both victims and perpetrators can receive God’s healing, but it requires accountability and a willingness to change.

The church’s role in supporting victims of domestic violence

With the Ministry of Defence now putting a ‘Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024–2029’ in place – what will the church do to ensure our communities are safe for those going through domestic violence?

Our churches must be a safe place for healing from trauma and violence. In my time as a Christian, I have yet to hear a sermon addressing domestic violence and how we, as a community, can support those affected. I have witnessed the profound impact of unhealed trauma among those I have met. Conversations about domestic violence often occur in female spaces, yet it is vital that we engage as a unified body of Christ, with brothers and sisters supporting one another.

As we long to reach the 5.5 million South Asians in the UK, we also need to understand the realities of those who will enter our churches, and part of discipleship is supporting people through their past and allowing the Lord to bring healing to the bruised and battered parts of us. Sharing the gospel is not just about evangelism; it is about creating a safe environment for understanding and healing. The message of the gospel must be holistic for those South Asian women where the pain of rejection and domestic violence is very real; they need to know the God who sees, dignifies, heals and uplifts them.

Why South Asian women’s voices matter in the church

According to the Advance Initiative, an organisation dedicated to church planting among South Asians, ‘every fourth person on the planet is South Asian, yet this demographic is the least represented in God’s kingdom’. Culture plays a big part in how different sexes are treated. Moreover, as a South Asian woman, I do not believe that women should only teach other women. Women bring invaluable experiences and insights to the church, offering unique perspectives that reflect the love and understanding of Jesus. It helps each of us to better understand who Christ is as we are made in the Imago Dei.

The proclamation of the gospel is good news for ALL – not just some. By recognising and addressing the unique challenges faced by women, we can create a church that truly embodies the love and grace of Christ, paving the way for transformation both within individuals and the broader community. When the church can address these lived-out experiences and issues concerning women from all backgrounds, we have a real hope for justice, healing and truth to prevail.