For far too long, domestic violence was shrouded in silence and secrecy.

It was considered a "private matter" to be dealt with behind closed doors, and victims were often left to suffer in silence without any support or recourse. While there has been progress in breaking down these barriers and creating greater awareness around domestic violence, there are still communities and cultures where speaking out about abuse is taboo or actively discouraged. This can create unique challenges for victims/survivors, who may feel trapped between conflicting loyalties and values, and reluctant to seek help from outside sources.

Cultural, religious, and societal norms can have a powerful impact on how domestic violence is perceived and addressed.

In some cases, these factors may even contribute to the perpetuation of abuse, as victims are discouraged from seeking help or leaving their abusers due to cultural or religious beliefs. It's important to recognize the complex interplay between personal and cultural identity when it comes to domestic violence, and to approach the issue with sensitivity and understanding. Ultimately, we must continue to work towards creating a world where domestic violence is never tolerated, and all victims/survivors have the support and resources they need to break free from abuse and live a life free from fear and harm.

If you think that your relationship suffers from Cultural, Religious, and Social abuse, contact us today! We offer in-person couples counseling in Murrieta, CA, in-person marriage counseling in Riverside, CA, and online couples therapy to residents of California.

Signs of Cultural, Religious and Social Abuse look and feel like the following:

• Using racial slurs

• Threatening to out someone as LGBTQIA+ if family and friends don’t know

• Isolating someone who does not speak the predominant language where they live

• Belittling the victim’s spiritual or cultural worth, beliefs, or practices

• Violating or preventing the victim’s spiritual or cultural practices

• Denying the victim access to their spiritual or cultural community

• Not allowing birth control or other types of contraceptives because it is not approved for religious purposes

• Forcing on the victim spiritual or cultural beliefs and practices that are in conflict with their own

• Manipulating spiritual readings and practices to justify abuse

• Using cultural, religious, or societal doctrines to state why someone cannot leave a relationship or look to other means of separation

• Misusing the traditions, practices, and expectations of the spiritual or cultural community to which the victim belongs as a means of normalizing or suppressing the abusive behaviors, silencing the victim, or preventing the victim from seeking support and help

• Using privilege or breadwinner status to make all the “rules” within the household.

Despite being a significant form of abuse, cultural, religious, and societal abuse often receives less attention and discussion compared to other types of abuse. However, this insidious form of abuse is deeply ingrained in our society and can be particularly difficult to challenge and address. Its insidious nature contributes to a pervasive sense of numbness towards violence and the power dynamics that perpetuate it, making it all the more important to raise awareness and work towards creating a society that values safety, respect, and dignity for all individuals.

Please read our other blogs if you think you’re experiencing verbal, emotional, sexual, technological or physical abuse in your relationship.

• Recognizing different types of abuse in relationships

• How to identify the signs of physical abuse in your marriage

• Signs of emotional or mental abuse in relationships

• Signs of sexual abuse in relationships

• Spotting the Warning Signs: How to Recognize Technological Abuse in Your Relationships

• Understanding Financial Abuse in Relationships: How Therapy Can Bring Healing

It can be hard to recognize the signs of abuse and then take steps to actively stop it especially when it’s with someone you love. You are not alone and we are here for you! We help couples every day deal with situations just like yours. Contact us today or click the button below to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with our Intake Coordinator.

Have questions about couples counseling? Visit our FAQs page to find out more. We offer online couples counseling in California and in-person marriage counseling services in Riverside, CA and in-person marriage therapy in Temecula, CA!! It’s so important for you to find the right marriage counselor for you. Learn more about what’s unique about our couples therapists here.