NCJ Number
211268
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 10 Issue: 6 Dated: September-October 2005 Pages: 647-659
Date Published
September 2005
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the literature suggesting that theological beliefs may hinder their ability to counsel victims and that additional research is needed to understand what factors influence cleric attitudes and counseling abilities.
Abstract
Victims of domestic violence regularly ask members of the clergy for help. Clerics represent a valuable resource for victims. Victims may already know clerics and clerics represent respected moral leadership. However, many clerics are ignorant both of the scope of the problem and/or how to effectively handle it. If clerics are to have an actual impact on the destructive behavior of violence, studies suggest that theologians must take more active roles such as seeking additional training on the subject, becoming aware of and working with other community resources, speaking out to their congregations on the topic of domestic violence, and encouraging victims to come forward. Domestic violence is a problem that is more than physical; for many women, it represents a psychological and spiritual dilemma as well. Clergy need to know that they represent a vital resource for victims of domestic violence and act accordingly. References