RELIGIOUS BELIEFS & SACRED WRITINGS

Misinterpretations of religious texts and concepts, texts taken out of context, and related beliefs, are passed down by word of mouth and have been used to justify domestic violence.

 

An example of interpretation is in the Bible, Book of Leviticus 19:16: “You shall not go up and down as a slanderer among your people and shall stand forth against the life of your neighbor.”

 

Misinterpreted to justify domestic violence – This can be used to silence a survivor and discourage others from intervening in a “private” problem.

 

Interpreted to help and encourage ending violence and abuse – This could speak to a person who batters, forbidding emotional and verbal abuse and the public humiliation of his/her partner, as well as forbidding life-threatening behavior.