21/08/2025
I'm increasingly concerned to see that some Christian domestic abuse charities continue to rely on outdated and discredited models, such as the Duluth Model, in their training programs. This reliance can understandably deter male victims from coming forward to share their experiences. The influence of these organizations, including Thirtyone:eight , appears to foster a perspective that predominantly views domestic abuse as male violence, which fails to capture the full complexity of the issue.
The Duluth Model has been criticized for its simplistic view of domestic violence dynamics and has even been discredited by its creator, Ellen Pence, who acknowledged that it does not effectively address the realities of all victims. Research published in various studies, including those by the American Psychological Association and the National Center for Men, highlights these limitations and emphasizes the need for more comprehensive approaches. Despite this, several organizations continue to implement this model in their programs, which raises concerns about the effectiveness of their support for all victims.
It's crucial that we seek frameworks that genuinely support families and align with our community values. We must be vigilant against narratives that undermine the role of fathers and overlook the complexities of domestic abuse.
To effectively tackle this issue, the Church needs to adopt a wise and informed approach, emphasizing truth and evidence-based methods that support all victims. Currently, around 1.5 million men sought help just last year, and many more may be struggling in silence. Let’s work together to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone affected by abuse.