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Understanding the Religious Context to Domestic Violence, and the Role of Faith-Based Organisations

Tracks
Room 3: In-Person Only
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM
Room 3

Overview

Professor Sarah Wendt & Dr Josephine Clarke, University of Melbourne


Speaker

Agenda Item Image
Professor Sarah Wendt
Professor of Social Work
University of Melbourne

Understanding the Religious Context to Domestic Violence, and the Role of Faith-Based Organisations

12:15 PM - 12:35 PM

Abstract

Drawing on recent research with two Christian denominations, the presenters discuss the importance of religion and faith-based organisations, in addressing domestic violence.

In Australia many people identify with a religion and are involved in faith-based communities. Religion can be significant in informing intimate partner relations and family life. Religious leaders can hold positions of influence and their role includes offering pastoral care. The role of religion – and faith-based organisations - is increasingly acknowledged as significant to intersectional experiences of domestic and gender-based violence. We present research findings to expand understanding of the role and influence of religion and discuss how this can contribute to extending opportunities for prevention work, and informing relevant responses to people experiencing domestic violence.

Key Learnings:

1. The need to further understand the religious context to experiences of DFV.
2. Religious leaders and faith-based organisations have a role in ending DFV.
3. Recognising intersectionality in prevention, response and recovery work can be extended considering the importance of religion, faith and spirituality.

Biography

Sarah Wendt is Professor of Social Work at the University of Melbourne, and member of the Centre for Excellence for The Elimination of Violence Against Women. Sarah has been researching domestic violence for nearly two decades, including how to respond in social work practice.
Agenda Item Image
Dr Josephine Clarke
Research Fellow, Department of Social Work
University of Melbourne

Understanding the Religious Context to Domestic Violence, and the Role of Faith-Based Organisations

Abstract

Drawing on recent research with two Christian denominations, the presenters discuss the importance of religion and faith-based organisations, in addressing domestic violence.

In Australia many people identify with a religion and are involved in faith-based communities. Religion can be significant in informing intimate partner relations and family life. Religious leaders can hold positions of influence and their role includes offering pastoral care. The role of religion – and faith-based organisations - is increasingly acknowledged as significant to intersectional experiences of domestic and gender-based violence. We present research findings to expand understanding of the role and influence of religion and discuss how this can contribute to extending opportunities for prevention work, and informing relevant responses to people experiencing domestic violence.

Key Learnings:

1. The need to further understand the religious context to experiences of DFV.
2. Religious leaders and faith-based organisations have a role in ending DFV.
3. Recognising intersectionality in prevention, response and recovery work can be extended considering the importance of religion, faith and spirituality.

Biography

Josephine Clarke is a Research Fellow with the Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, in the Department of Social Work at the University of Melbourne. She researches domestic and family violence, and rural social inclusion issues.
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