Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

4-20-2011

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been recognized as a serious social problem since the 1970s. Research has investigated how race, socioeconomic class, and other factors are related to levels of IPV, but little research has been done about how religious beliefs and IPV are related. The few studies that have been done have not been conclusive. Some research has shown a correlation between the amount of religious services attended per week and a decrease in likelihood of perpetrating IPV. In this study, the researchers sought to gain more information on the relationship between IPV and religious affiliation by surveying 100 Valparaiso University students. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing their religious affiliation, their adherence to their religion’s teachings, and feelings toward different types/severities of intimate partner violence. Respondents were asked about their attitudes toward intimate partner violence, not whether they have been victims or perpetrators of it. A study on the correlation between religious affiliation and intimate partner violence can be extremely helpful to counselors and others working with religious clients and to those working within religious institutions. As part of a university founded on faith, it is especially important that one considers the implications religion has on students’ behavior toward one another. Knowledge that stems from this study can help implement efforts at preventing the social problem of intimate partner violence.

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