In 2020, while the world focused on COVID-19, Québec faced a “second pandemic” marked by rising domestic violence and femicides. In 2021, when a survivor of domestic violence asked Christian Direction what it would do for victims, the organization felt compelled to act. Over the next three years, more than 30 practitioners, pastors, nurses, researchers, and survivors collaborated to produce Rapha, a study exploring domestic violence within Christian communities in Quebec.
 
Based on a survey of 500 practicing Christians, interviews with 13 survivors from Catholic, Protestant, and Evangelical backgrounds, and focus groups with 39 church leaders, the findings show both encouraging signs and serious concerns. The Church still needs stronger understanding, training, openness, and protocols to respond safely and effectively. Yet Christians clearly desire to be better equipped. To support this effort, Christian Direction partnered with Restored UK, whose expertise helps churches work toward prevention, safety, and justice.
 
In this guide, you will find practical advice and information, including definitions and concepts of domestic violence, what laws of Québec apply to these situations, and how to teach and mobilize Christians in your church to prevent and grow awareness on the issue of family and intimate partner violence. There is also a comprehensive list of services available to victims and family members in Québec, lists of do's or dont's, as well as some helpful theological insight pertaining to relationships, family dynamics and violence.