Citation

Petersen E. Soc. Work Christ. 2009; 36(4): 449-469.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, North American Association of Christians in Social Work)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

South African women live in one of the most violent, yet most religious societies in the world. In some countries like the USA, domestic violence training programs and various resources are available to equip clergy and their faith communities. This is not yet the case in South Africa. This qualitative study is one step towards creating a more comprehensive (inclusive of the religious sector), response to domestic violence. The study aimed at exploring challenges experienced by selected clergy within the Anglican Church of the Diocese of Cape Town when dealing with domestic violence. The sample was drawn based on experience of the clergy with the phenomenon and willingness to participate. Due to the sensitive nature of the study, probing questions were followed up to get in-depth perceptions and experiences of clergy’s involvement in domestic violence within their parishes. The findings confirmed the complex nature of domestic violence. Clergy defined domestic violence as an oppressive controlling behavior. The challenges reported primarily related to the lack of training in dealing with real life issues such as domestic violence during their theological training; the lack of theological guidelines offered by the church to address patriarchal societal practices, beliefs and gender stereotyping; and the lack of guidance on contextual interpretation of Scriptures. This paper addresses components of the study that confirm the enormous opportunity for the Church to refine and re-align itself to the “Gospel Commission” and respond intentionally to humanity regarding domestic violence.