Episode 207: What About Religiosity, Violence and Abuse? | A Conversation with Dr. Susan Madsen
When it comes to talking about abuse and violence against women, “You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable,” explains Susan Madsen. In Episode 207, Dr. Madsen joins Susan and Cynthia for a conversation about the link between religiosity and abuse, and the power disparity that fosters it. Even where the Church is strongest, the statistics are troubling, to say the least. How might our church and its members move from lip service to leading "the army to protect home, family, and children?”
Notes & Quotes:
The link between domestic violence and religiosity, The Daily Herald, Guest Opinion, 4/10/202
Opinion: Utah has a problem with violence against women. There’s a clear solution., Salt Lake Tribune, 8/15/2024
Gender, power, and violence: A systematic review of measures and their association with male perpetration of IPV, National Library of Medicine
Exploring the Complex Concept of Power in Society, Sociological Theories and Concepts, Sociology Institute, 11/14/2022
The Partnership Toolkit: A guide for creating values-based change based on caring, equity, and sustainability, Center for Partnership Systems
A Bolder Way Forward, Utah Women & Leadership Project
Unleashing Sister Saints podcast, Dr. Susan R. Madsen
“Power disparity is at the root of violence. Research continues to show that when men have significantly more power than women—in homes, groups, communities and societies—there tends to be more issues with abuse. At its foundation, power is about relationships.
”According to the Sociology Institute, power is “the capacity to effect or prevent change, to influence others, and to control resources … it often operates through subtler mechanisms like persuasion, cultural norms and institutional authority.
”The bottom-line is this: When homes, groups, organizations, and societies shift to what is called a “Partnership System,” violence decreases and all members of families and communities better thrive.” —Dr. Susan Madsen
“Although some people continue to excuse and rationalize why we shouldn’t be concerned, there are many brave people willing to acknowledge that things need to change, particularly for their daughters and granddaughters. Owning the hard parts doesn’t take away from the good.” —Dr. Susan Madsen
Some Utah Stats:
1 in 3 Utah women experienced sexual assault in their lifetimes, and 1 in 6 Utah women experienced rape
Utah is ranked 9th out of 50 states for the number of rapes per capita, and the Utah Department of Health reported in 2021 that Utah rape rates were 33% higher than the U.S. rape rates
Intimate partner violence: 1 in 3