Why we engage on the issue of violence against women and girls

In the first chapter of the Bible, God creates women and men equally in His image. Therefore, men and women are inherently of equal worth, value and dignity. The implications of this truth extend to all aspects of our personal behaviour and how we relate to each other.

This certainly means that sexual abuse and sexual violence are completely unacceptable in all contexts. Nothing about these acts reflect the fact that women and men are inherently equal in God’s image.

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There are many times throughout scripture where these acts take place – and the implications of all of them are that they lead to destruction and brokenness. The books of Judges and 2 Samuel in particular are a grave warning about what happens if we act in these ways.

I want to recognise that men and women are equally responsible in not committing sexual violence or sexual abuse, and men have suffered deeply as a result of these horrific crimes. The focus in this piece on our responsibilities towards women does not negate this in any way.

The Scottish Government’s violence against women and girls strategy, called Equally Safe, was produced alongside COSLA (The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities). It ​“sets out a vision to address violence against women and girls.

“It outlines our ambition to stop it occurring in the first place, build the capability and capacity of support services, and strengthen the justice response to victims and perpetrators.

“Our strategy and responses are informed by the experience of victims and by the expertise of professionals.”

We support this work as a response to what we believe about the unacceptability of sexual abuse and sexual violence. The strategy defines violence against women and girls as both threat and acts, of which many are already crimes, such as rape, child sexual abuse and human trafficking. One aspect of the definition stands out, however: ​“commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), including prostitution, lap dancing, stripping, pornography”.

We fully support these aspects being included within the definition. However, it stands out because it is the main aspect that as a society we don’t take in any way seriously enough.

It is worth taking time to note that the Scottish Government believes pornography constitutes violence against women and girls, and includes it within the definition of commercial sexual exploitation. In the age we live in, where pornography is as prevalent and socially acceptable as it has ever been in human history, this is a profound statement of belief. This topic is beyond the bounds of this article, but it is linked to all aspects of the brokenness that exists in our relationships between men and women.

Our focus is the other aspect – the purchasing of sexual services. If doing so constitutes violence against women and girls, why does the government continue to allow it to be done?

Other states have taken action on this because they recognise that to allow someone to purchase access to a woman’s body is to be completely at odds with recognising that women and men are of equal value and worth. This principle is only one aspect – there will be some women who sell sexual services of their own volition, but our concern is for the many women who are doing it because they don’t have a choice, and don’t have the opportunity to speak about their dire situations.

Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Canada, Northern Ireland, France, Ireland, Israel and the US state of Maine have taken action, their laws broadly following a model of criminalising the purchase of sex, decriminalising the selling of sex and supporting women to exit prostitution. This package of measures is often called the ​“Nordic Model” as it originated in Sweden. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Reem Alsalem, has also called for action. For more detail on our campaigning work and a proposed bill in the Scottish Parliament on this issue, see the cards at the bottom of this article.

1. Pray – there is so much we can pray for women who experience sexual abuse and sexual violence: for God to intervene and for restoration, new life and a beginning on the path to healing.
2. Campaign – we think that much could be achieved from a change in the law. If you’d like to get involved alongside us, get in touch.
3. Get involved – perhaps there is a way for you to volunteer to support women who have experienced sexual abuse and sexual violence. If you’d like to be signposted, feel free to get in touch with us also.

Let’s all of us take action this week to reflect the truth that men and women are completely equal – both beautifully created in God’s image.

If you or someone you know has been subject to abuse, help is available at safer.scot, which provides support for individuals and practitioners.