Citation

Gillum TL, Sullivan CM, Bybee DI. Violence Against Women 2006; 12(3): 240-250.

Affiliation

Urban Health Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801206286224

PMID

16456150

Abstract

Women with abusive partners utilize a variety of coping strategies to deal with and heal from the violence and sense of betrayal they have experienced. For many women, their trust in a higher power and the support they receive from their faith community is integral to their healing. Of 151 women interviewed for this study, the majority (97%) noted that spirituality or God was a source of strength or comfort for them. Extent of religious involvement predicted increased psychological well-being and decreased depression. For women of color, greater religious involvement was also related to increased social support. Implications for research and direct services are discussed.

Language: en