ABSTRACT
Abuse of children is perpetrated in a wide variety of contexts. It occurs in all cultures and countries (UNICEF 2014). Measuring its breadth and impact is challenging and its occurrence in different contexts is unevenly documented. Astbury (2013) stresses the importance of understanding each situational context, but concludes that cultural and religious contexts have been researched inadequately. Even when data are available, their scope may also be very limited. As in other situations, abuse in religious contexts may be physical, sexual or emotional; occur in multiple settings and may be perpetrated by individuals or groups or both. Both perpetrators and victims/survivors adhere to religious beliefs to varying degrees.
