Addressing Domestic Violence
Freeing humanity from an age-old social disorder
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, women in a wide range of countries report experiencing physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives.
Baha'is see violence against women and girls not only as a human rights violation, but also as an obstacle to social and economic development. They work on this issue at many levels, especially via educational initiatives in local communities.
International Violence Against Women Act
In the U.S., the Baha'i national office supports the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), which is an important effort by the U.S. government to reduce violence against women and girls globally. Read more.
Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition
The Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition (IDVC) works to address issues related to ending violence against women. The IDVC comprises more than 20 faith organizations, representing millions of believers, including Baha'is.
The Coalition "shares a commitment to effect positive change and to advocate, with a collective voice, for national legislation and policies that protect all people from domestic violence, with particular concern for women and children." It shines a spotlight on the role of faith communities and leaders in addressing these issues. Learn about Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Guidelines for Spiritual Assemblies on Domestic Violence
"To achieve lasting change," suggests WHO, " “it is important to enact legislation and develop policies that protect women; address discrimination against women and promote gender equality; and help to move the culture away from violence.”
In 2002, The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the U.S. developed a manual intended primarily for Local Spiritual Assemblies confronted with a situation of domestic violence in their Baha’i communities. Individuals and groups are also welcome to examine it.
Action Alerts
- Baha’is join social media campaign to end violence against women, July 14-29
- Urge President Obama to Advance the Status of Women Worldwide
- Mother’s Day action requested to support CEDAW
- Baha’is participate in interfaith advocacy to end violence against women
- Help Stop Violence Against Women Worldwide
… acts of domestic violence are at complete variance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and… violence in the family is a practice to be condemned. In addition, domestic violence is a criminal act in the United States. Such behaviors, on the part of either men or women, are rooted in longstanding social practices connected with an inability or unwillingness to apply the fundamental spiritual principle of the equality of women and men and to recognize the fundamental right of every human being to be treated with consideration and respect.
'Policy Statement on Domestic Violence,' Baha'is of the U.S.