Korean American Clergy Practices Regarding Intimate Partner Violence: Roadblock or Support for Battered Women?

Abstract

Although it is common for Korean Americans to seek assistance from clergy for intimate partner violence (IPV), there has been lack of research on Korean American clergy’s practices regarding IPV. 152 Korean American Protestant clergy were surveyed on their practices regarding IPV in their congregations. 92.7 % of respondents reported counseling people who had experienced IPV; however, one-third stated that they had never referred congregants to additional resources. Additionally, the great majority of respondents recognized their important role in responding to IPV; however, only 16 % of them reported feeling well-prepared to deal with IPV. Practice and research implications are discussed to improve a partnership between religious leaders and victim advocates for the purpose of supporting battered Korean immigrant women.