The Influence of Religious Affiliation on Various Forms of Family Violence in a Sample of Female and Male South Asians.

Résumé

PURPOSE: Family violence is a complex phenomenon that manifests in diverse ways within households. Cultural values and norms of a community, specifically religious affiliation can also influence the relationships and the ways in which family violence can manifest. In our study, we explore family violence (adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), in-law abuse, physical and emotional sibling violence (PESV), intimate partner violence (IPV) among South Asians in the United States.METHODS: Because of the gaps in previous research, the goal of this study was to explore the relationship between various forms of family violence or violent experiences (PESV, ACEs, IPV and in-law abuse) in South Asian households and the relationship to religious affiliation. To examine these relationships, we utilized survey data ( = 974) from a larger sample of South Asians collected on Reddit. We ran descriptive statistics, chi-squares, independent samples T-tests, and a logistic regression to examine the correlates of religious affiliation.RESULTS: All variables showed a significant relationship at the bivariate level with religious affiliation. Independent samples t-tests showed significant differences between religious and non-religious groups specifically about the experiences of violence (IPV, in-law abuse). Finally, the logistic regression model was also statistically significant with generation status, education, household income, ACEs as correlates.DISCUSSION: To our knowledge this is the first study to develop new evidence regarding these unique forms of family violence (ACEs, IPV, PESV, in-law abuse) and the relationship with religious affiliation, using a community sample. The study findings have important implications to develop culturally responsive interventions for South Asians.