Developing safeguarding policy and practice for Spiritual Abuse

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a ground-breaking survey into people's experiences of church and Spiritual Abuse (SA), in a context of issues of safeguarding and policy.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was delivered online between April 2011 and December 2012.

Findings

The findings showed many people had encountered negative church experiences. Most respondents had very limited knowledge and understanding of SA and related support and intervention.

Research limitations/implications

This survey represents the views of a small percentage of those who attend, or have attended, church and further more extensive research is required to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Additionally research is required within other faiths and cultural contexts.

Practical implications

It is evident that there is clearly a need to strengthen current safeguarding policy and practice with regards to SA.

Originality/value

This paper offers an initial insight into the challenges for safeguarding together with some suggested intervention strategies.

Citation

Ruth Oakley, L. and Susan Kinmond, K. (2014), "Developing safeguarding policy and practice for Spiritual Abuse", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 87-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-07-2013-0033