Title: Religion and Intimate Partner Violence: Understanding the Challenges and Proposing Solutions, by NANCY NASON-CLARK, BARBARA FISHER-TOWNSEND, CATHERINE HOLTMANN, and STEPHEN MCMULLIN
Abstract: This book aims to bring together 25 years of research by leading scholars on the topic of religion and intimate partner violence (IPV). The authors show that while religion often complicates IPV, it is not the cause and should be part of the solution. Although this argument has been made elsewhere, often by the same authors, the book is unique in its practical focus. Its stated aim is to assist all those working to prevent IPV and perhaps more importantly to get religious and secular stakeholders to overcome their mistrust and collaborate with each other. The book has many strengths. Academics will appreciate the comprehensive and well-organized coverage of literature and the wealth of empirical data, both quantitative and qualitative, from diverse study sites. The chapters in the book begin with real-life stories, which helps reveal the perspectives of individuals affected by IPV: Why victims like Patty blame themselves; how she wants to believe her husband when he brings her flowers, asks for forgiveness and promises God has changed him; how she seeks counsel from her pastor but is afraid she will not be believed or understood. How abusers like Scott were often mistreated by their own parent and see themselves as victims rather than perpetrators. How it feels like a risk for Pastor Jim to do a sermon on IPV against the advice of church leaders. Why Ronda who runs a battered women shelter is suspicious of religious people, especially clergy, and how clergy like Jim who wants to help lack knowledge and resources and are wary of secular agencies that blame religion for IPV. The stories illustrate the complexities in the relationship between religion and IPV and will likely resonate with readers in the target audience who will recognize themselves in these pages.
Publication Year: 2018
Publication Date: 2018-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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