Domestic Violence Awareness in Liberia
Rev. Dr. Alice Hubbard Crenshaw, 8th Episcopal District
In Liberia, there is gender inequality, by traditional and religious perceptions, portraying women as subordinate and men as superior. Gender biases and discrimination, and violence face women and girls as a normalized part of Liberian society. In focus groups, women of Liberia and Sierra Leone share how they experience men using violence as a normal way of responding to challenges of frustration. Violence against females remains a major impediment to realizing women’s and girls’ rights in Liberia.
In a Zoom interview, I recently spoke with the Rev. Roseline S. Barnes, pastor of Mason Memorial AME Church of Monrovia, Liberia, and the 1st Vice President of Women in Ministry in the 14th Episcopal District. She attempted to explain why women remain in homes of abusive domestic violence relationships. The Rev. Barnes told us that those who commit the abuses are in the church, and many women in her country believe that domestic violence is a form of discipline. In addition, many women stay because they love their partners, and they are hoping to change them because of the family nucleus. They do not realize that love does not hurt mentally, physically, emotionally, or otherwise. God’s love shows care, provision, and concern for all.
As an advocate for women to provide support for those who are experiencing domestic violence, the Rev. Barnes asked if we would assist in providing a consortium for awareness to be adapted to her country and culture as she notes that laws in her country to protect women are ineffective and treated as a simple assault. In addition, there are no shelters for victims of domestic violence; therefore, abuse victims have no place to go if they want to leave and no financial resources to care for themselves.
Bridget Gibson, President/Founder of Tell the Truth, a nonprofit domestic violence awareness organization, Certified Master Life and Mindset Coach of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, conducted a podcast on her Morning Soulshine program that I co-hosted. We agree and believe with the Rev. Barnes that long-term education and awareness will help stop domestic violence. However, we must advocate as well for the adoption and enforcement of strong legislation. Sis. Gibson’s stated: “As children of God, we should seek to help those living in domestic violence situations by bringing awareness, correcting the misunderstanding of abuse, and educating everyone on having healthy relationships.”
Bridget Gibson and I plan to team with the Rev. Barnes by conducting awareness meetings in January 2022. With the help of God, we shall overcome. The Rev. Rosalind Barnes is grateful to God that we made this connection to assist her with domestic violence in her country. To God be the glory for what He has done, is doing, and shall do in all of our lives for accepting the challenge to do His will, His way.
