The Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Vulnerance in Pastoral Care

Abstract

This paper examines several aspects of vulnerability, vulnerance, and resilience in pastoral care, with a focus on women in the Roman Catholic Church. It critiques gendered ideologies and the intersection of gender-based violence and systemic risks in pastoral care settings. Through doctrinal analysis and lived experiences, it argues pastoral care settings with their systemic vulnerances and asymmetries enable abuse, often by clerics. The concept of “vulnerance” sheds light on power dynamics, emphasizing the importance of trauma-sensitive pastoral care with high professional standards to foster resilience among victims.

Keywords

• vulnerability
• vulnerance
• sexual and spiritual abuse
• pastoral care
• abuse of adults
• clergy abuse