Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
First Advisor
Stuart Cocanougher, DMin
Second Advisor
Winford Amos, DMin
Abstract
The objective of this dissertation study is to increase the awareness of intimate partner violence (IPV) among Pentecostal clergy. African American women experience higher rates of intimate partner violence in the United States. There are unique risk factors for IPV in the African American community, considering the social and cultural context of the African American experience during colonization and post-colonization. Throughout these experiences, the Black church has consistently served as a steadfast source of hope for the community. However, considering the concerning prevalence of IPV among the African American community, church leaders may not be aware of the profound effects experienced by African American women despite the concerning rate at which it occurs. This study carefully examines the risk factors present in the Pentecostal ministry that may impede clergy members from fully comprehending, recognizing, and responding to this trauma, and potentially retraumatizing women who have experienced IPV. This study prescribes trauma-informed theology as a framework for developing an African American culturally competent trauma-informed care curriculum as an intervention tool for the clergy in a Pentecostal ministry context.
Section One examines the problem of IPV and discusses the distinct factors that may contribute to the elevated prevalence of IPV among the African American population.
Section Two examines the possible risk factors that hinder clergy members in a Pentecostal ministry setting from effectively understanding, acknowledging, addressing, and avoiding retraumatizing victims of IPV. It also explores potential alternative solutions from the African diaspora.
Section Three presents a case for using trauma-informed theology to enhance the clergy’s understanding of IPV.
Sections Four and Five describe the artifact, a prototype of a curriculum designed for the clergy. This curriculum incorporates trauma-informed theology as a framework. These sections also outline the details and specifications of the artifact.
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Bridget P., "Trauma Informed Theology: A Framework for Developing a Culturally Competent African American Intimate Partner Violence Curriculum for the Pentecostal Clergy" (2024). Doctor of Ministry. 658.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/658