339: Patriarchal Church Structures & Heightened Risk of Violence/Abuse in Marriage

Series Title: In-depth Exploration of Patriarchy & its Correlation to Violence & Abuse [Part VIIof X]

In today's episode, Val & Nathan walk through the layered risk factors around spousal violence/abuse that married couples are exposed to when belonging to a formalized institutional patriarchal church. Reinforcement of male authority, inadequately trained clergy offering counseling services, isolation from external oversight/support, and tendencies to protect the male abusers (esp those with leadership callings) are all discussed. They also make recommendations for inviting a safer/healthier marriage theology and climate that will contribute to individual & marital flourishing. 

**Please note, Val & Nathan are not implying that abuse & violence are *inevitable* when couples hold a patriarchal worldview or belong to a formalized patriarchal religious institution--they are simply unpacking all of the heavily researched data pointing to heightened risk factors associated with patriarchy and violence/abuse.

Referenced in this Episode: 

Associated Press - Seven years of sex abuse: How Mormon officials let it happen

Bell Hooks - The Will to Change; Men, Masculinity and Love