Project – Pastoral Care Intervention on Domestic Violence Among Young Christian Couples

Project – Pastoral Care Intervention on Domestic Violence Among Young Christian Couples

Click here to Get this Complete Project Chapter 1-5

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

  • Background to the study

Pastoral care intervention has been identified as a significant tool in addressing domestic violence among young Christian couples. According to Fortune and Enger (2005), pastoral care is a form of spiritual guidance that can be used to address various social issues, including domestic violence. The authors argue that pastoral care can provide a safe space for victims to share their experiences and receive emotional and spiritual support. This approach can also challenge the societal and religious norms that often perpetuate domestic violence.

In a study by Nason-Clark (2004), it was found that pastoral care intervention can be effective in changing the attitudes and behaviors of perpetrators of domestic violence. The study highlighted the role of pastors in providing counseling and guidance to perpetrators, which can lead to behavioral change. However, the study also noted that pastoral care intervention should be complemented with other forms of intervention, such as legal and psychological support, to ensure comprehensive support for victims.

However, there are also challenges associated with pastoral care intervention. According to a study by Levitt and Ware (2006), some pastors may lack the necessary training and skills to effectively address domestic violence. This can result in inadequate support for victims and a lack of accountability for perpetrators. The authors recommend that pastors receive specialized training on domestic violence to enhance their capacity to provide effective pastoral care.

In addition, pastoral care intervention can also be influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. A study by Miles and Proeschold-Bell (2013) found that some Christian beliefs, such as the sanctity of marriage and the submission of wives to their husbands, can hinder the effectiveness of pastoral care intervention. The authors argue that these beliefs need to be critically examined and challenged to ensure that pastoral care does not perpetuate harmful norms and practices.

Despite these challenges, pastoral care intervention remains a crucial tool in addressing domestic violence among young Christian couples. According to a study by Postmus et al. (2012), pastoral care can provide a unique form of support that complements other forms of intervention. The authors argue that pastoral care can provide spiritual and emotional support that can empower victims and challenge the societal and religious norms that often perpetuate domestic violence.

Pastoral care intervention can play a significant role in addressing domestic violence among young Christian couples. However, it is important that pastors receive specialized training and that cultural and religious beliefs are critically examined to ensure the effectiveness of pastoral care. Further research is needed to explore the potential of pastoral care intervention in different cultural and religious contexts.

  • Statement of the Problem

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects numerous young Christian couples in Nigeria. According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (2018), approximately 30% of Nigerian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. This problem is not exclusive to any particular religious group, and young Christian couples are not exempted. The prevalence of domestic violence among this demographic is alarming and necessitates urgent intervention.

Pastoral care, a form of spiritual guidance provided by religious leaders, has been identified as a potential intervention strategy. However, the effectiveness of pastoral care in addressing domestic violence among young Christian couples in Nigeria remains largely unexplored. A study by Oyediran and Isiugo-Abanihe (2005) suggests that religious leaders can play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards domestic violence, but there is a dearth of research specifically focusing on the impact of pastoral care.

The problem is further compounded by cultural and societal norms that often discourage victims from reporting incidents of domestic violence. According to a report by the CLEEN Foundation (2012), many victims remain silent due to fear of stigmatization, lack of awareness about their rights, or belief in the sanctity of marriage. This silence makes it difficult to accurately assess the extent of the problem and the effectiveness of interventions like pastoral care.

Moreover, there is a lack of training and resources for pastors to effectively address domestic violence. A study by Agbiji and Swart (2015) found that many pastors in Nigeria lack the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective pastoral care to victims of domestic violence. This gap in training and resources further exacerbates the problem.

The role of the church in addressing domestic violence cannot be underestimated. As a trusted institution in many Nigerian communities, the church has the potential to influence attitudes and behaviors related to domestic violence. However, without a clear understanding of the effectiveness of pastoral care as an intervention strategy, efforts to address domestic violence among young Christian couples may be misguided or ineffective.

In conclusion, the problem of domestic violence among young Christian couples in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted. While pastoral care has been identified as a potential intervention strategy, there is a need for more research to understand its effectiveness. This research gap, coupled with societal norms that discourage reporting and a lack of resources for pastors, presents a significant challenge in addressing domestic violence in this demographic.

  • Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine Pastoral Care Intervention on Domestic Violence Among Young Christian Couples in Victoryland Baptist Association Lagos. The specific objectives are:

  1. To examine the prevalence of domestic violence among young Christian couples.
  2. To evaluate the effectiveness of pastoral care interventions in reducing instances of domestic violence among these couples.
  3. To identify the specific pastoral care strategies that have been most successful in addressing domestic violence in this community.
  4. To understand the barriers and challenges faced by pastors in implementing these interventions.
  • Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

  1. What is the prevalence of domestic violence among young Christian couples?
  2. How effective are pastoral care interventions in reducing instances of domestic violence among these couples?
  3. Which specific pastoral care strategies have been most successful in addressing domestic violence in this community?
  4. What are the barriers and challenges faced by pastors in implementing these interventions?
  • Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is stated below:

Ho: Pastoral Care Intervention has no significant impact on Domestic Violence Among Young Christian Couples

H1: Pastoral Care Intervention has significant impact on Domestic Violence Among Young Christian Couples

  • Significance of the Study

The study of pastoral care intervention on domestic violence among young Christian couples holds significant importance in several ways. Firstly, it contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the role of religious institutions in addressing social issues such as domestic violence. The church, particularly in Christian communities, plays a pivotal role in shaping societal norms and behaviors. By examining the effectiveness of pastoral care interventions, this study can provide insights into how religious leaders can leverage their influence to combat domestic violence (Miles & Proeschold-Bell, 2013).

Secondly, this study is significant as it focuses on a specific demographic – young Christian couples. This group is often overlooked in research on domestic violence, which tends to focus more broadly on women or children. By focusing on this demographic, the study can provide targeted insights that can inform the development of more effective interventions for this group (Nason-Clark, 2004).

Thirdly, the study is significant as it seeks to identify the specific pastoral care strategies that have been most successful in addressing domestic violence. This can provide a blueprint for other religious communities facing similar issues, enabling them to learn from the successes and challenges of the Victoryland Baptist Association Lagos (Nason-Clark, 2004).

Fourthly, the study is significant as it seeks to understand the barriers and challenges faced by pastors in implementing these interventions. This can provide valuable insights into the practical challenges of implementing such interventions, and can inform the development of strategies to overcome these barriers (Miles & Proeschold-Bell, 2013).

Fifthly, the study is significant as it can inform policy development. The findings of this study can provide evidence-based recommendations for policy makers, helping to inform the development of policies that support the role of religious institutions in addressing domestic violence (Miles & Proeschold-Bell, 2013).

Lastly, the study is significant as it can contribute to the broader goal of reducing domestic violence. By identifying effective strategies and overcoming barriers to implementation, this study can contribute to the development of more effective interventions to combat domestic violence, ultimately contributing to the wellbeing of young Christian couples in Nigeria and beyond (Nason-Clark, 2004).

Scope of the Study

The study examines Pastoral Care Intervention on Domestic Violence Among Young Christian Couples in Victoryland Baptist Association Lagos. The study is limited to Victoryland Baptist Association Lagos.

  • Operational Definition of Terms

Pastoral Care: This term refers to the practice of emotional, spiritual, and physical support provided by religious leaders or institutions. It often involves counseling, guidance, and assistance in times of crisis or personal growth.

Intervention: In the context of social and behavioral sciences, an intervention refers to a program or set of actions designed to bring about a change in a situation or behavior. It is often used to address and mitigate negative behaviors or circumstances.

Domestic Violence: This is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions.

Young Christian: This term typically refers to individuals who are within the age range of 18 to 35 years old and identify as followers of the Christian faith. The term “young” is often used to differentiate this group from older or more mature Christians.

Couples: In the context of this study, couples refer to two individuals who are in a romantic relationship, typically living together or married. In the Christian context, these couples are often married, as cohabitation is generally discouraged.

Get the Complete Project

This is a premium project material and the complete research project plus questionnaires and references can be gotten at an affordable rate of N5,000 for Nigerian clients and $8 for international clients.

Click here to Get this Complete Project Chapter 1-5

 

 

 

 

 

You can also check other Research Project here:

 

 

Project – Pastoral Care Intervention on Domestic Violence Among Young Christian Couples