Pray for Improvement: Experiences with Mediation of Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence in Nigeria

This study examines victims’ experiences with informal mediation conducted by Catholic priests and nuns in Nigeria. Interviews were conducted with 20 women who sought help from priests and nuns as they had experienced intimate partner violence. Their expectations before and experiences during and af...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pastoral psychology 2023-10, Vol.72 (5), p.625-646
Main Authors: Ezema, Jennifer, Diaz, Francisco Jose Medina, Jaca, Maria Lourdes Munduate, Euwema, Martin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Catholics
Clergy
Clinical Psychology
Cross Cultural Psychology
Domestic violence
Emotional abuse
Intimate partner violence
Marriage
Mediation
Mediators
Nuns
Psychology
Religion
Religious leaders
Religious Studies
Revictimization
Sociology
Victimization
Victims
Women
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Summary:This study examines victims’ experiences with informal mediation conducted by Catholic priests and nuns in Nigeria. Interviews were conducted with 20 women who sought help from priests and nuns as they had experienced intimate partner violence. Their expectations before and experiences during and after this mediation were explored. Findings suggest that the level of intimate partner violence experienced by victims remains high, and in most cases their expectations of the mediation are not sufficiently met. Most priests and nuns tend to convince victims to forgive their husband and accept their situation while reinstating the patriarchal mentality without any sustainable improvement. Most victims report revictimization episodes after mediation. Implications for theory and practice of mediation by religious leaders are discussed.
ISSN:0031-2789
1573-6679
DOI:10.1007/s11089-023-01101-y