scholarly journals Conservative Christianity and Intimate Partner Violence in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-264
Author(s):  
Kim Beecheno

Abstract Based on empirical research in a women’s shelter in São Paulo, Brazil, this article examines how ‘secular’ professionals and service users negotiate conservative Christian faith, gender roles and domestic violence. The article demonstrates how staff use theological arguments with feminist interpretations of religion, in order to better communicate with abused women of faith. A key finding is that both the religious service users and the ‘secular’ professionals discover it is not religion per se which allows for situations of violence, but rather the patriarchal way in which conservative Christianity is taught in some churches, ultimately functioning as a method of controlling women. Moreover, through feminist consciousness-raising and attention to women’s rights, some abused women of faith find ways of negotiating the violence they experience, leading to an understanding of it as both personal and political.

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Douglas ◽  
Stella Tarrant ◽  
Julia Tolmie

This article considers what evidence juries need to help them apply the defence of self-defence where a woman claims she has killed an abusive partner to save her own life. Drawing on recent research and cases we argue that expert evidence admitted in these types of cases generally fails to provide evidence about the nature of abuse, the limitations in the systemic safety responses and the structural inequality that abused women routinely face. Evidence of the reality of the woman’s safety options, including access to, and the realistic support offered by, services such as police, housing, childcare, safety planning and financial support should be presented. In essence, juries need evidence about what has been called social entrapment so they can understand how women’s safety options are deeply intertwined with their degree of danger and therefore with the question of whether their response (of killing their abuser) was necessary based on reasonable grounds. We consider the types of evidence that may be important in helping juries understand the concept and particular circumstances of social entrapment, including the role of experts in this context.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (15) ◽  
pp. 1806-1828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy J. Fitzgerald ◽  
Betty Jo Barrett ◽  
Rochelle Stevenson ◽  
Chi Ho Cheung

This study tests the theoretically informed assumption that intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal abuse so frequently co-occur because animal maltreatment is instrumentalized by abusers to harm human victims. Using data from a survey of abused women in Canadian shelters, we find that threats to harm “pets,” emotional animal abuse, and animal neglect are clearly perceived by these survivors as being intentionally perpetrated by their abuser and motivated by a desire to upset and control them; the findings related to physical animal abuse are not as straightforward. Building on these findings, we propose a more nuanced theorizing of the coexistence of animal maltreatment and IPV.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 334-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo Spangaro ◽  
Jane Koziol-McLain ◽  
Alison Rutherford ◽  
Anthony B. Zwi

Intimate partner violence (IPV) routine screening is widely implemented, yet the evidence for pathways to impact remains unclear. Of the 32 abused women interviewed 16 weeks after antenatal IPV screening, 24 reported positive impact, six reported nil positive impact, and two reported negative impact. Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), key conditions for positive impact were care in asking, and support and validation from the midwife. Lack of these and lack of continuity of care were relevant to nil positive impact. Benefits included naming the abuse, connection, unburdening, taking steps to safety, and enabling informed care. Disclosure was not required for positive impact.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen E. Straus ◽  
Elizabeth H. Guonjian ◽  
Errick Christian ◽  
Rebecca R. Roberts

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-141
Author(s):  
Suwannee Sroisong ◽  
Somporn Kantharadussadee Triamchaisri ◽  
Ronnachai Kongsakon ◽  
Trude Bennett ◽  
Ratchneewan Ross

Purpose The study on experiences of women with intimate partner violence (IPV) reveals the meanings of recovering psychological health and independence from their abuser. However, not much study has been done to reveal experiences of abused women in their attempt to recover from their past traumatic experiences in the context of Thai society. The purpose of this paper is to explore experiences of survivors of IPV in Thai women. Design/methodology/approach Key informants included ten women who had experienced IPV and left abusive relationships. They were recruited from a provincial hospital in upper southern part of Thailand. Data were collected from in-depth interviews and analyzed using a phenomenological method. Findings Findings showed that five themes had emerged as follows: seeking help and support; decision to terminate the abusive trap; enhancing empowerment to solve their problems; learning to forgive the abuser; and adopting the ability to stand on one’s own two feet. Originality/value The study helps shed light on the recovering of the abused women. The survivors had faced psychological suffering and economic problems. Therefore, they need supports in order to make the exit possible and to use group support to increase their strength in fighting against an abusive relationship.


Affilia ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arlene N. Weisz ◽  
Rebecca Wiersma

The responses of 632 Michigan residents to a public opinion survey showed that the respondents thought that children’s exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is damaging to children but that mothers who seek outside help should not lose custody of their children. Two thirds believed that mothers who are victimized by IPV more than once and do not immediately find a way to stop the violence are neglectful. The findings suggest the need for education about ways to support children without holding mothers to unreasonable expectations.


ISRN Nursing ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sepali Guruge

Intimate partner violence has short- and long-term physical and mental health consequences. As the largest healthcare workforce globally, nurses are well positioned to care for abused women. However, their role in this regard has not been researched in some countries. This paper is based on a qualitative study that explored how Sri Lankan nurses perceive their role in caring for women who have experienced partner violence. Interviews with 30 nurses who worked in diverse clinical and geographical settings in Sri Lanka revealed that nurses’ role involved: identifying abuse, taking care of patients’ physical needs, attending to their safety, providing support and advice, and making referrals. Barriers to providing care included lack of knowledge; heavy workload; language barriers; threats to personal safety; nurses’ status within the healthcare hierarchy; and lack of communication and collaboration between various stakeholder groups within the healthcare system. Nurses also identified a lack of appropriate services and support within hospitals and in the community. The findings reveal an urgent need for the healthcare system to respond to nurses’ educational and training needs and help them function autonomously within multidisciplinary teams when caring for abused women. The findings also point to a need to address institutional barriers including the lack of appropriate services for abused women.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 615-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Parker ◽  
Andrea C. Gielen ◽  
Renan Castillo ◽  
Daniel Webster

This study examined safety strategy use in relation to intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, perceived effectiveness of the strategies, and perception of danger from IPV among 197 abused women. More than 90% of the women used 1 or more strategies in the 6 months prior to their interview. Severe physical and sexual violence were significantly associated with an increased use of placating strategies. Perceived effectiveness of the strategies was high yet not associated with strategy use. Increased perception of danger from IPV was significantly associated with increased use of safety planning strategies. The findings suggest that safety planning should be tailored to fit women’s specific contexts. Safety planning discussions should focus on strategies that reduce women’s risk of continued violence and build on women’s strengths.


2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052092577
Author(s):  
Shy C. Porter ◽  
Mona Mittal

Women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors that increase the likelihood of adverse sexual health outcomes, including HIV acquisition. This study explored key predictors of safer sex self-efficacy in a sample of racially/ethnically diverse abused women. A total of 173 women were recruited from domestic violence agencies and completed a battery of measures that assessed risk factors associated with HIV risk. Both individual- and relationship-level predictors of safer sex self-efficacy were examined, including IPV, partner dependence, HIV knowledge, condom attitudes, self-esteem, and alcohol use. Hierarchical linear regression analysis results indicated several key predictors for safer sex self-efficacy, including IPV ( B = −0.01, p < .05), partner dependence ( B = −0.45, p < .001), condom attitudes ( B = 0.63, p < .001), and alcohol use ( B = − 0.24, p < .05). It is evident that a number of individual- and relationship-level factors affect the degree of safer sex self-efficacy among abused women. In work with this population, researchers and clinicians should intentionally attend to the identified predictors to most effectively address the needs of these women.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document