The “In Churches Too” report was made after 438 Christians from a range of churches completed the survey.
Reacting to the findings, Dr Kristin Aune of Coventry University, who led the research, said: “Domestic abuse happens in churches too.
“A quarter of the people we heard from told us they had, for example, been physically hurt by their partners, sexually assaulted, emotionally manipulated, or had money withheld from them.
“This includes twelve women who have experienced between ten and twenty abusive behaviours and six women who are currently in relationships where they fear for their lives.”
People aged over 60 were less likely to say they had experienced domestic abuse than younger adults were, and women more likely to say they had experienced serious forms of abuse than men.
The report also found only two in seven churchgoers felt their church was adequately equipped to deal with a disclosure of abuse.
Bishop of Carlisle, Rt Rev James Newcome said churches have to do more to discourage domestic violence.
“Churches in Cumbria have been taking this very seriously for many years, which is why we wanted to take part in the research,” he said.
“Many churches have taken part in training, promote helplines and liaise with local support services and we have come a long way in understanding that this is a vital part of…
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