Abuse

The Salvation Army is opposed to any form of abuse of power by a stronger person over a weaker.

Definition

In human relationships there are areas of legitimate authority.  When power or control is carried beyond the appropriate boundaries of authority, this constitutes abuse.

Abuse is the misuse of power in interpersonal relationships where one person seeks to control inappropriately, manipulate, exploit or dominate another. Such misuse of power may occur, for example, between parent and child, husband and wife, employer and employee, teacher and pupil, caregiver and invalid or elderly person, Officer and Soldier, or between peers. It may take the form of sexual, physical, verbal, spiritual, psychological or emotional abuse.   

The most vulnerable members of our society who depend on others for their wellbeing (i.e. children, elderly, disabled, or mentally unwell) are particularly susceptible to abuse, whether by omission or commission.

All acts of abuse dehumanize both victim and perpetrator. The effects of abuse are often long-term and usually include the denigration of a person’s sense of wellbeing. 

Biblical principles

The Bible teaches that we should be truthful, kind and Christ-like in our dealings with others.(1) Those who have power or authority over others have a commensurate responsibility to be accountable to ensure that these standards are met.(2)       

(1) ‘Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us… May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all…So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it.'
  — Romans 15:1,5,7 (Message paraphrase)

‘God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything.’
  — Ephesians 4:15 (MSG)

‘And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.’
  — 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (New International Version)

(2) ‘Some tax collectors… asked him, “Teacher, what are we to do?” “Don’t collect more than is legal,” he told them. Some soldiers also asked him… “What are we to do?” He said to them, “Don’t take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your pay.” '
  — Luke 3:12-14 (Good News Bible)

‘Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given’
  — Luke 12:48b (GNB)

Approved by International Headquarters
November 2005