Paper short abstract:

This study investigates how Christian leaders play a crucial role in shaping attitudes and responses to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), aiming to provide a deeper understanding and develop nuanced prevention, as well as intervention strategies within Nigerian Christian communities.

Paper long abstract:

The pervasive nature of domestic crises, particularly Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), in Nigeria underscores the detrimental impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Despite efforts to address these issues, there remains a significant gap in understanding how Christian leaders, as key social actors, play a crucial role in shaping attitudes and responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) within the context of Christian teachings and societal values. Existing literature highlights the prevalence of domestic violence in Nigeria, often perpetrated by males as a means of asserting power and affirming masculinity. However, the role of Christian leaders, Christian teachings and religious ideologies in challenging violent behaviors, especially IPV remains understudied. Drawing from Critical Discourse Theory, this study seeks to explore how Christian leaders influence attitudes and responses to intimate partner violence within the framework of Christian teachings and societal values.

Additionally, it aims to investigate the role of Christian teachings and religious ideologies in challenging domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly within the context of IPV. By analyzing the discourses of selected Christian leaders, this study uncovers the ideological stances underpinning their responses to IPV. The data for this study comprise sermons, speeches, and writings of Christian leaders, selected based on their thematic relevance to domestic crises and IPV. In revealing the ideological factors shaping their perspective on IPV, the study aims to guide the development of more nuanced strategies for IPV prevention and intervention within Christian communities in Nigeria.