Learning Objective #1: Describe the spiritual distress experienced by women in abusive relationships

Learning Objective #2: Identify the reported outcomes of women in abusive relationships who sought spiritual guidance from clergy

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Women in abusive relationships have recognized the silence of religious institutions and clergy in addressing intimate partner violence. The old message, that women are to blame when family dysfunction occurs, remains evident in society. The objective of this qualitative research study was to describe the experience of abused women attempting to decrease their spiritual distress and obtain spiritual guidance from their religious leaders. The population was women who were over the age of 21, could read and write English, and had experienced intimate partner violence within the past year. A convenience sample of 16 women was recruited from a mental health clinic. This qualitative study, completed in 18 months, employed a phenomenological methodology to describe the women's spiritual distress and help-seeking experience. The interview questions were, (1) “Will you please describe the spiritual distress you experienced?” and, (2) “Will you please describe your experience of seeking spiritual assistance from your religious leader?” All transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The findings revealed that clergy were not helpful in alleviating the women's spiritual distress or intervening in the violence. Four themes that epitomized the negative outcomes of the help-seeking behavior were spiritual suffering, devaluation, loss, and powerlessness. Overall, the participants revealed feeling unworthy and doubtful about their abilities as individuals and church members. The themes identified serve as an indication of the need for education of clergy, and collaboration between clergy and advanced practice nurses who work with women who experience intimate partner violence. Additional research is necessary to further describe and explore the spiritual distress of abused women and to determine effective strategies to extricate women from violent situations. Nurses and clergy must unite to create the spiritual care, advocacy, counseling, education, and ultimately the prevention of intimate partner violence.