Battered Women
1979 Business Resolution
WHEREAS, the battering of women in the home is a family and societal problem related to the violation of basic human rights in a significant way both nationally and globally; andWHEREAS, the problem is compounded by the legal and social system's inability to protect victims of abuse adequately; and
WHEREAS, children internalize and perpetuate models of behavior observed and experienced in the home and in the larger society; and
WHEREAS, long standing religious and cultural myths and practices authenticate and sanction inequitable and oppressive male/female relationships such as male dominance and female submission;
BE IT RESOLVED: That the 1979 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association urges the Administration, member societies and individuals to:
- Help women learn of and use local assistance available;
- Support the creation of crisis resources such as hotlines, shelters and transition houses for battered women and their dependents;
- Promote improved civil and legal protection for victims;
- Work toward improved police and court methods of handling violence in the home and toward follow-up treatment services for offenders and victims; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the 1979 General Assembly asks all Unitarian Universalists to consider to what extent religious and cultural myths and practices set models for and influence inter-relationships within their own homes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this Assembly requests professionals and staff members of the Unitarian Universalist Association to:
- Determine whether the physical abuse of women is related in any way to religious myths which promote male dominance in human relationships;
- Try to assess the potential impact of these myths on the sense of self-worth and dignity of men and women;
- Recognize the consequences of this impact in future statements, publications and educational materials; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this Assembly requests the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association to:
- Send copies of this resolution to appropriate political and religious organizations and individuals urging its promotion nationally and globally;
- Include denominational action on Resolve Three of this resolution in the annual report on Women and Religion.
Last updated on Monday, March 26, 2007.
