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The Importance of Spirituality in the Lives of Domestic Violence Survivors

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

Cris M. Sullivan

Deborah I. Bybee

Michigan State University, East Lansing

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.

Key Words: battered women • faith communities • spirituality • women of color

Violence Against Women, Vol. 12, No. 3, 240-250 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1077801206286224


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