Religion, Religious Heterogeneity and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among Korean Immigrant Women

• In Event: Victimization of Women Around the World

Abstract

This study examined the impact of religious affiliation, frequency of religious service attendance (such as church, bible studies, temples), as well as the heterogeneity of religious belief between couples on intimate partner violence (IPV) among Korean immigrant women in the USA. Through a case control design, this study compared 64 Korean immigrant IPV victims with 63 Korean immigrant non-IPV victims. The findings of this study reveal that the high frequency of religious service attendance of Korean immigrant women was associated with higher IPV victimization while their partners’ high religious service attendance was associated with lower IPV victimization. Also, when there was a gap between couples in terms of the frequency of religious service attendance, IPV victimization increased. Policy implications based on the findings of this study have been suggested.

Author

• Chunrye Kim, Saint Joseph's University