It is estimated that 1 out of 3 people in a congregation will have some experience with intimate partner violence. It remains the leading reason women visit hospital emergency rooms. Although it is less frequent, men are also victimized. This course will examine the impact of gender based violence on families and congregations. It will give special attention to the general problem of gender based violence and to the role that theological understandings of suffering, obedience, and ownership may play in such violence. It will utilize pastoral counseling case studies (video vignettes of actual pastors) to begin to provide those in ministry with the tools they need to respond to people in their care and understand how to make appropriate referrals.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.