Religious leaders' perspectives on marriage, divorce, and intimate partner violence

Religious leaders from Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths were interviewed about their understanding of the intersection of intimate partner violence (IPV) and religion, and a grounded-theory analysis was conducted. The present manuscript explored the leaders' beliefs about the partners' responsibility for IPV and the role of divorce. Although religious leaders tended to place greater responsibility for abuse on the perpetrator, most also thought women bore some responsibility-either for inciting abuse or for not leaving the situation. Although there was diversity in beliefs, most of the leaders expressed concerns related to balancing the sacredness of marriage with the urgency of divorce in cases of IPV. Many suggested that divorce be considered as a "last resort" and would urge reconciliation if possible.