Clergy training for effective response to intimate partner violence disclosure: Immediate and long-term benefits |
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| Authors: | Rene D. Drumm Jerome Thayer Laurie L. Cooper Sylvia Mayer Tricia Foster Holly Gadd |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Social Work, University of Southern Mississippi, Long Beach, Mississippirene.drumm@usm.edu;3. School of Education, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan;4. School of Social Work, Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee;5. School of Nursing, Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee;6. Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTThis study reports findings from an intimate partner violence-training project in which 104 Seventh-Day Adventist pastors received a 4-hr training in responding effectively to intimate partner violence (IPV) disclosure. The educational endeavor targeted three areas for improvement in clergy response: (a) increasing pastors’ understanding of the unique dynamics in abusive relationships, (b) providing information on IPV resources and services, and (c) developing pastors’ abilities and motivations to be proactive in addressing IPV. Pretest, posttest and 1-year follow up data indicate that pastors who engaged in IPV training demonstrated immediate and long-term positive changes. Specifically, participants showed improvements in each of the targeted areas. Beyond the gains in knowledge and attitudes about IPV, the study results also indicate that pastors receiving training expanded their activities to positively address IPV in their congregations. Social workers can play a significant role in addressing clergy training needs by strengthening pastors’ abilities to respond appropriately to parishioners’ IPV disclosures. |
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| Keywords: | church clergy training community organizing domestic violence training faith community intimate partner violence IPV training pastor training religion social work practice spouse abuse |
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