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Risks and Opportunities of Faith and Culture: The Case of Abused Jewish Women

NCJ Number
240504
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2012 Pages: 427-435
Author(s)
Alison C. Cares; Gretchen R. Cusick
Date Published
July 2012
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study explored the intersection of faith, religious subculture, and intimate partner abuse by examining the case of abused Jewish women.
Abstract
Intimate partner abusers often focus on physical violence, but abuse may also include exploiting a partner's faith or subculture. Alternatively, faith or subculture may be a source of strength and support for victims. The authors explored this by analyzing case files from a Jewish domestic violence services agency. Jewish identity conditions women's experiences with intimate partner abuse through the use of Judaism as a "tool" for abuse, the role of Jewish holidays and observances, and the role of the Jewish community. While partners of abused Jewish women often perverted the laws and traditions of Judaism to control their partners and the reaction of the larger community varied, being part of an integrated cultural and religious community offered support for some women. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.