Countering the Continuum Of Violence Against Women

Today’s readings might merit a trigger warning related to a story of sexual coercion and harassment that will be all too familiar for many readers – especially those who identify as women.

Our scriptural tradition includes this story from Daniel 13 as a story of divine vindication and faith, but it certainly tells a very old story of sexual manipulation and toxic masculinity.

In the story, two older men who were judges and held some ranking in their community lust after a younger woman named Susanna. One day when she is out in the garden and is alone, they demand that she engages them sexually. When she refuses, they say that they will lie to others and say that SHE was the one who was engaged in sexual activity. She screams and people come running. 

The two elders seek to put her on trial and fabricate a story that would, if she is found guilty, get her killed. The court believes the two elders’ testimony and makes plans to execute her. She prays in desperation to God, and a young man named Daniel appears. He speaks up and counters the testimony of the elders. They interview the elders separately and see that their stories do not match, and the whole assembly rises up against the elders and, ultimately, puts them to death.

We live in a world where cis-hetero men abuse their power constantly and especially against women (and against anyone who is queer, trans, nonbinary or does not fit the gender binary somehow). Often this abuse of power is sexual in nature and can include harassment, coercion, unwanted contact or forced contact. And so often men get away with it – which is almost what happened in this story – because women, generally speaking, have not been believed.

I remember the 2022 movie, “She Said,” which portrayed the quest of journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey to break the Harvey Weinstein abuse scandal. It was nearly impossible for them to get people to go on record or even to tell their stories because Weinstein was powerful and would punish anyone who spoke out against him. We saw the same with Lindsaey Boylan who tried to report the unwanted sexual advances of then governor Andrew Cuomo and was met with initial dismissal and doubt.

And there are so many similar stories like this.

Daniel, however, represents someone who takes the experience of women seriously and stands up as a vocal ally. He does not go along and cave in to the pressure to conform. He knew what was happening was wrong and said something about it. Not only that, he worked to make sure that Susanna was supported through the process.

In the gospel from John 8, Jesus is trying to testify to the truth and people do not believe him. Nevertheless, he persists! And he says that, “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In my mind, it would be irresponsible to “spiritualize” today’s readings. The message is clear. We must stand up and be vocal, active allies of people who are targets of violence, discrimination, harassment, etc. In today’s readings, we focus on the violence against women and are invited to reflect more deeply on the normalization of violence against women and the prevalence of rape culture (which was present in biblical times and is still present now).

Part of our faith journey is to clearly name and bear witness to the continuum of violence against women as well as queer/trans/non-binary people that is deeply embedded in our culture and in our institutions (and especially in our churches). I know that I have also found the “power and control wheel” helpful in naming many forms of harm that happen as well.

It may be uncomfortable for some to talk about, but the cost of silence is an even greater price to pay.

If you identify as male, then this work of allyship falls primarily on you (and me). It is our responsibility to reflect upon, notice, speak out against and resist the various forms of violence against women. This can mean speaking up when we hear “locker room talk” that is derogatory, calling out inappropriate male behavior, believing women’s testimony and being advocates in the circles that we move in (including faith circles). It can mean speaking up when no women’s voices are included or women’s voices are silenced. It can mean making sure that women are represented in leadership and taken seriously. The list goes on, and it is very important that men support each other and talk collectively about countering violence against women.

And no matter who we are, we can be on the lookout for these toxic behaviors no matter where we are – speaking out against and resisting them – and making sure that women and queer/trans/non-binary people feel our support.

Jesus tells us that we must testify and that in doing so we will walk in the light with him. For today, spend time in prayer and then – as you go through your day – try to notice all of the ways that women and queer/trans/nonbinary people might be subjected to the continuum of violence in our culture. Notice where their voices are absent or talked over. Notice also the ways that women and queer/trans/non-binary people are supported and what that looks like as well.

Pray for the insight to notice. Pray for the strength to name. Pray for the strength to testify and resist.

And if you need support for your own situation, please reach out to the pastoral team at Spiritus or call local supports like Willow Domestic Violence Center (585) 232-7353 or RESTORE Sexual Assault Services: (585) 546-2777.