“It’s a complicated web”: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of Cameroonian and Nigerian clergy understanding of intimate partner violence

Abstract

Clergy's understanding of intimate partner violence underpins the support they provide to Christian women affected. However, the understanding of intimate partner violence by Cameroonian and Nigerian clergy living in England is unknown. This article explores their understanding of intimate partner violence through remote semi-structured interviews. The results showed that clergy understood that the intersection of individual, Christian and cultural beliefs around marriage and acculturation factors causes intimate partner violence. They acknowledged a lack of adequate knowledge of intimate partner violence. Developing training programmes on intimate partner violence for clergy and their congregations will enhance awareness and support for affected women.