Citation

Skiff D, Horwitz SH, LaRussa‐Trott M, Pearson J, Santiago L. J. Spiritual. Ment. Health 2008; 10(2): 101-118.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/19349630802081046

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Researchers assembled three clergy focus groups in Upstate New York in order to expand on the results of an earlier study (Horwitz, 2002) regarding community professionals' attitudes and beliefs about PV. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify how clergy address partner violence (PV), (2) assist in defining the clergy's scope of practice, and (3) understand the dynamics behind clergy reluctance to participate with community providers in ending PV. Participant responses to a series of questions were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Findings elucidated (a) competing value systems that clergy experience, (b) their responsibilities for addressing PV in their congregations, (c) limitations and barriers to identifying and intervening in PV, and (d) helpful strategies for dealing with PV.