Religious Teachings, Perceptions, and Intimate Partner Violence: A Pilot Project

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of the role of religion as a social factor influencing gender roles and potentially Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). A total of 6 respondents were included in the study, three who identified as members of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) and three who identified as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) in the Salt Lake Valley. All respondents were asked to take part in an hour interview with a newly constructed questionnaire. The questionnaire asked basic demographic questions as well as open-ended questions pertaining to the role of religion with regard to women's rights, and gender roles. The results demonstrated a consistent support for gender equality and women's rights. At the same time, respondents had mixed reactions to questions on abortion. The results seem to imply that religion has micro and macro levels of influence within society. As this is only a pilot project, further research needs to be conducted to better understand how religious teachings and perceptions influence IPV