Attitudes and beliefs about family and domestic violence in Australian faith-based communities: A qualitative study

Family and domestic violence (FDV) is a major public health and social issue that is associated with a range of physical, mental and behavioural health outcomes. Religion and faith are powerful and influential in shaping the lives of many individuals and societies, in addition to the social practices, norms and structures that are significant in understanding and responding to FDV. This qualitative study aims to deepen understanding of the influence of religious beliefs and values on attitudes and beliefs of FDV among culturally diverse faith communities in Australia. Interviews and focus groups were conducted with 64 participants from a diverse range of cultural and religious backgrounds which included faith leaders, community members and FDV sector workers. Six main themes were identified describing attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about FDV: 1) Faith and religion do not condone violence; 2) Awareness of FDV is increasing, yet remains often poorly understood; 3) FDV is still a taboo topic; 4) Denial and defensiveness about FDV persist; 5) Patience, endurance and forgiveness is often prioritised over safety; 6) Gender roles and norms founded on religious beliefs and interpretations underpin many FDV understandings and responses. These findings demonstrate the tensions between expressions of faith and attitudes to women and FDV. Further exploration of these issues within specific faith communities, as well as how to support and engage with these communities in increasing understandings of FDV and developing effective responses, is needed in the Australian context.