Tug-of-War: Domestic Abuse and the Misuse of Religion

Studies continue to show that women who are seen in emergency rooms or doctor's offices with clear signs and symptoms of abuse are treated for the immediate injury or complaint and dismissed without inquiry, information, or follow-up for the life-threatening condition--abuse--that caused the immediate injury or complaint. Stotland presents a case which illustrates a tug-of-war in which the abuser adduced the family's Christian faith, not only to support his abuse, but also as a powerful tool to disrupt the therapeutic relationship.