Religious Affiliation, Denominational Homogamy, and Intimate Partner Violence Among U.S. Couples

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue. Few studies, however, have examined the role of religion in IPV perpetration and victimization. This study analyzed the contribution of religious factors to IPV risk and prevalence among a sample of 1,440 married couples interviewed for the 1995 National Study of Couples. Results indicate that rates of IPV did not significantly differ by couple homogamy/heterogamy or type of denominational affiliation. Attendance at religious services at least weekly was associated with lower rates of IPV perpetration among men and with lower rates of IPV victimization among men and women. These findings were attenuated in the multivariate logistic regression analyses. Study findings suggest that religion does not have a strong or direct influence on the occurrence of IPV; alcohol-related problems, however, may be a mediating factor. Despite the null findings, religious institutions can play an important role in primary and secondary IPV prevention.

Racial/ethnic differences in social vulnerability among women with co‐occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders: Implications for treatment services

“…Based on a review conducted by Ashley and colleagues~2003!, no randomized controlled studies have been conducted on the efficacy of job-training treatment components in gender-tailored programs for women in general or for Black and Hispanic women specifically. Services directed at helping women obtain safe housing, job training, and education are especially important for treatment of women with trauma because economic dependence can place women at risk of reliance on abusive partners and further victimization~Browne & Bassuk, 1997;Cunradi, Caetano, & Schafer, 2002;Kantor & Asdigian, 1997;Straus & Gelles, 1990;Salomon, Bassuk, & Huntington, 2002;Wolfner & Gelles, 1993!. We found some support for our second hypothesis that compared to White women, Hispanic and Black women are at greater risk for other social vulnerabilities, including criminal justice involvement, termination of parental rights, and greater exposure to community violence, even when controlling for differences in socioeconomic resources. Racial0ethnic group differences were significant for criminal justice involvement and vulnerability to community-based interpersonal violence.…”

The Intergenerational Transmission of Intimate Partner Violence: Differentiating Correlates in a Random Community Sample

“…Recently, general alcohol consumption patterns have emerged as significant predictors in both Stith et al's (2004) meta-analytic review of domestic violence risk factors as well as Whiting et al's (2009) study of adult victimization. Finally, religious involvement may negatively influence victimization risk (Coker et al 2000;Cunradi et al 2002). In particular, research indicates that more frequent church attendance corresponds with increased marital happiness, duration, satisfaction, and adjustment (Dudley and Kosinski 1990;Filsinger and Wilson 1984;Hansen 1987)-all of which may decrease the occurrence of IPV.…”

“…Increased integration in a faith community presents the opportunity for participation in activities that reinforce the sanctity of marital relationships and the importance of defining appropriate interpersonal behavior. Increased church attendance has significantly reduced violence in dating relationships (Gover 2004;Laner 1985) and marital unions (Cunradi et al 2002;Ellison et al 1999), underscoring the potential contribution of the faith community in protecting intimate partnerships.…”

The Changing of the Gods: Abused Christian Wives and their Hermeneutic Revision of Gender, Power, and Spousal Conduct

“…To the contrary, empirical research finds no clear evidence that they are disproportionately inclined to abuse their partners than do affiliates of other denominations (e.g., Brinkerhoff, Grandin, & Lupri, 1992;Ellison et al, 1999). Weekly religious attendance among men, in fact, is inversely associated with domestic violence perpetration (Cunradi, Caetano, & Schafer, 2002). In sum, not every religious spouse given patriarchal power abuses it or is abusive to women.…”