Citation

Drumm R, McBride D, Hopkins G, Thayer J, Popescu M, Wrenn J. Soc. Work Christ. 2006; 33(3): 233-251.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, North American Association of Christians in Social Work)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

This article explores the types and prevalence of intimate partner violence within one conservative Christian denomination. The article provides an overview of findings from a five-state region in the North Pacific United States. A stratified random sample of seventy churches within the denomination offered data collection venues with a total sample of 1431 respondents. Using anonymous survey methodology, we found that the predominant type of abuse occurring between intimates in this sample was controlling and demeaning behavior. Sixty-five per cent of the respondents confirmed they experienced these behaviors from an intimate at least once in their lifetime. Nearly half of the respondents (46%) reported, experiencing common couple violence, 29% sexual violence, and 10% severe physical violence. Multiple regression analysis reveals the two strongest indicators that are significantly associated with all types of intimate partner violence include being divorced or separated and having a personal history of childhood abuse. In addition, having a difficult family economic situation and being female were predictors of some types of victimization. Social workers in religious congregations have important work to do in helping victims in need of healing, educating congregants about healthy intimate partner interaction, and preventing child abuse which leads to future relationship vulnerability. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)