Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: A Multidisciplinary Guide to Improving Services and Support for Survivors of Rape and Abuse [Affiliate link] is now out. (Release date 21 Oct 2013.)
Barbara Roberts contributed a chapter called ‘Pastoral Responses to Christian Survivors of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence’.
Here is the publisher’s blurb:
Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (IPSV) is the most common type of sexual violence and a common component of domestic violence, yet most cases go unreported and service responses are often inadequate. This book brings together advice for all those professionals working with individuals who have experienced IPSV and puts forward recommendations to tackle this prevalent form of sexual violence.
With contributions from leading experts on IPSV, Intimate Partner Sexual Violence is a comprehensive guide to the subject which bridges the gap between research and practice. Multidisciplinary and international in approach, the book covers key issues salient to all professionals – the impact of IPSV, reproductive coercion, the physical and psychological indicators, possible consequences of taking a case to court, and best practice service responses. One section also addresses the risks and needs of IPSV victims in different contexts, such as those in same-sex or teenage relationships, immigrant victims, and those living in rural areas or in prison. This is an authoritative resource for all professionals who work with IPSV victims including counselors, social workers, refuge workers, victim advocates, mental health professionals, pastoral workers, lawyers, police, and health practitioners.
A Cry For Justice 
I can’t even think about this topic right now. I am crossing over into Canada for my first solo adventure ever. I pray that the leaves are lovely colors and the bag pipes are playing at the lighthouse in Kincardine and that God will be with me and provide a safe trip. I pray love and safety for all of you.
Brenda, bon voyage, and God be with you!
Barbara, thanks for the link. It is such a huge topic, and I think the deafening silence may in fact confirm the effect of sexual abuse on DV victims. It is too unspeakable and some aren’t even ready to go there.
I have always wondered if the statistics tell us of the frequency of reporting marital rape, and how often prosecution has been successful? It is one thing to find out that IPSV is a crime, it is another to actually seek and successfully obtain justice through the legal system. In your experience, Barbara, do victims try, should they try and will they succeed?
Annie, I don’t have enough experience or knowledge to answer your (very good) questions but I’m pretty sure the book would answer them. Well, it would tell you the most up to date info we know on those questions. I have not read the book yet, I am only familiar with my own chapter in it, as yet. The publishers will be sending me my author’s copy soon. 🙂