Does Religion Influence Intimate Partner Violence Victimization? Longitudinal Evidence From Fragile Families Data

Abstract

A growing body of research has linked aspects of religion with intimate partner violence (IPV). Most studies have focused on IPV perpetration, with far fewer studies considering how religious factors affect IPV victimization. Our study contributes to this literature by examining the links between multiple religious domains and the risk of experiencing IPV. We analyze longitudinal data from five waves of the Fragile Families and Child Well-being project, a nationwide sample of urban, mostly minority, lower income unmarried couples. Data are analyzed via discrete-time event history analysis, estimated with complementary log-log regression, and the findings are: (a) Partner’s religious attendance frequency is inversely associated with the risk of IPV victimization in most models, for both mothers and fathers. (b) Couples’ religious attendance similarity is associated with lower risk of IPV victimization for mothers but not fathers. (c) Affiliation with a conservative Protestant or sectarian religious group is linked with elevated risk of IPV victimization. Most of the observed religious variations in IPV victimization risk withstand multiple controls for relationship quality, as well as an array of demographic characteristics. We contribute to the growing literature on religion and IPV, highlighting the role of religious attendance as a noteworthy prophylactic against IPV.