Overview
One in four Christian women will experience domestic abuse, and for these women their experience can be incredibly challenging to their faith. Survivors report that they do not feel their churches are adequately equipped to support them, but that secular domestic abuse services do not understand their faith. In No Visible Scars, author Sally Hope draws on her ten years of work supporting survivors and her own experiences of abuse, to help women undertake their own journey of healing. The book explores domestic abuse and the unique challenges that Christian women face. Through research, personal stories and opportunities to journal, No Visible Scars seeks to help survivors find answers to commonly asked questions such as 'Where is God in all this?' and face the thorny theological concepts of divorce, submission and gender roles. Survivors will be helped to recognise that God is firmly on the side of the abused, He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds. No Visible Scars is based on the 'Always Hopeful' recovery programme for groups of Christian women who have experienced domestic abuse. Many survivors find attending a recovery group intimidating and would prefer to read a book in their own time; others don't have access to the programme. Through this book, survivors can learn more about their experiences and unpick some of the faith lies they may have acquired as a result.
Full Product Details
Author: Sally Hope
Publisher: SPCK Publishing
Imprint: SPCK Publishing
ISBN: 9780281091065
ISBN 10: 0281091064
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 17 July 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
College/higher education
,
Professional and scholarly
,
General
,
Tertiary & Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
Reviews
'""It doesn't happen here"" is a familiar phrase that you may have heard in church, and yet research tells us it does. Writing from a Christian faith-based perspective Sally provides bite-sized information about abuse and how to move forward. It also provides space for reflection and action. This is a practical book that enables both survivors of abuse and their friends and family to work through what has or is happening to them. It is an important read that could be lifesaving to one of your friends and family. Buy it, no buy two - one for yourself and one for your friend.' -- Mandy Marshall, Co-Founder of Restored and Director for Gender Justice - Anglican Alliance 'Clearly and sensitively written, this book is a trauma informed and pastorally sensitive workbook for Christian women experiencing domestic abuse. Combining sound practical advice with gentle biblical application, it will help to equip and resource survivors and those seeking to help them.' -- Helen Paynter, Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence and author of The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So: Why you don't have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control 'I'm so delighted that Sally has created this journal out of her brilliant Always Hopeful course. This journal will not only illuminate the path to recovery from domestic abuse, but help women discover they have the strength to walk it.’ -- Bekah Legg, CEO, Restored 'I had the privilege of taking part in an Always Hopeful course a year ago and benefited greatly from Sally's work as I made steps in my own recovery. Her new book will surely be a similarly supportive friend for other survivors navigating their healing without a support group. No Visible Scars is richly shaped by Sally's own personal experience as well as extensive research and as such is hugely informative and thought-provoking. And yet it also retains its commitment to openness, giving space for survivors to reflect on questions for themselves and come to their own conclusions.' -- Becky, Survivor 'A practical and reflective self-help book, written from the heart to support women of Christian faith navigate themselves through their journey of domestic abuse and beyond.' -- Karen Allen, Regional Safeguarding Manager and Co-Chair, Methodist Church Domestic Abuse Steering Group 'No Visible Scars is an excellent Christian resource for those who have experienced Domestic Abuse; it is so refreshing to see a book that not only doesn't shy away from the difficult conversations about God's response to Domestic Abuse but also allows women affected to explore those challenging questions safely. Sally brings a genuine and authentic reflection of her own lived experience with such refreshing honesty. This can only encourage other survivors to feel safe enough to continue or, indeed, to take the first courageous step into exploring their own lived experience with the hope that it can support them to live the abundant life that God promised them. ""I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."" John 10:10 NIV.' -- Sarah Coates, Domestic Abuse Response Coordinator, The Salvation Army 'This book is a much-needed breath of fresh air. It fills the gap for Christian survivors of domestic abuse and digs into what the Bible really says about abuse, dispelling the myths and rhetoric women in Church often absorb. Most importantly it gives hope for a future, free from abuse and a hope that ultimately rests in Jesus.' -- Becky Barlow, CEO, Beauty for Ashes Refuges
Author Information
Sally Hope is a recovery coach who loves to empower other women to thrive. A lover of laughter, LEGO and tea, Sally has a warm, down to earth approach and a gently irreverent take on life. Sally lives with her children in Lancashire, England where she can regularly be found eating cake in her campervan.
