National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse
The National Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse takes place every year on the Fifth Tuesday of Easter. In 2026, the day is marked on Tuesday, May 5th .
Jesus said,
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
(John 10:10). The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer for Survivors of Abuse looks at the scourge of domestic abuse which causes pain and fear that prevent its victims from living the life Jesus came to bring. Immediately before the much-loved part of this verse from the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus’s words: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” This is how abuse feels to those who experience it – their dignity and value as a unique child of God is stripped away and destroyed. The physical danger domestic abuse presents to life is clear. A woman is murdered by a partner or ex-partner every five days in the UK. Between three and 10 women die by suicide each week due to domestic abuse. Abusers can also perpetrate spiritual and coercive abuse, disrupting their victims’ relationships with God and the Church. This can lead victims – adults and children – to feel guilt and shame that push them away from the support that the Church has to offer. At its best, the Church can – and should – be a safe haven where support is available for victims and survivors so that they can live life without fear and begin to experience the life in abundance Jesus came to bring. This hope is what we pray for this year.
