“For better or for worse.” : tracing the stories of Roman Catholic female survivors of domestic violence

Abstract

This study explored the narratives of Catholic women who survived domestic violence (DV) and the role that religion played in the process of seeking help and/or leaving the abuse. A narrative approach was utilised to explore the experiences of five women who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Due to the centrality of their experiences within the research, they are referred to as co-researchers. Data was collected through face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Individual accounts were first analysed through thematic analysis and presented in narrative form through the metaphor of a film chosen by every individual co-researcher. This allowed for nuanced descriptions of experience, whilst protecting the co-researchers’ identity. An overarching narrative was then identified: 1. I endured abuse; 2. This is how I coped with the abuse; 3. Then I asked for help; 4. This is me - The aftermath of support. The co-researchers reported several feelings such as shame, as well as a loss of identity and self-worth following their abusive marriage. They felt responsible for protecting their children from suffering along with them. Whilst prayer and other religious practices were utilised as a source of hope, comfort, and a medium to express anger towards God, prayer groups did not yield any perceived benefits for any of the co-researchers. Whilst clergy members were supportive, the co-researchers felt that religious leaders disregarded their wellbeing by putting religious doctrine first. Supportive friends and family were deeply valued. When psychological help was sought, co-researchers experienced interpersonal and intrapersonal change, and a shift in their religious beliefs and practices. The research also explored recommendations for practice and further research, to understand the Maltese population’s perception of DV, including that of the clergy and religious leaders, as well as to explore the use of positive religious coping strategies in counselling.