Role of Christian religion in retaining people in abusive marriages in Trans-Nzoia, Rift valley region Kenya

Abstract

This study set out to investigate the role of religion in retaining people in abusive marriages in Trans-Nzoia County. In religion or out of religion marriages in this district are dominated by men where the husband is seen as the head of the family. Wives are therefore seen as submissive and under the control of men, and a decision made by a husband are not to be questions by a wife. Christianity and other religion have retained people in abusive marriages in that it does not easily provide avenues out of an abusive marriage. The only available avenue is divorce, but is only given when the wife is unfaithful, such an act does not carry the same penalty. This study addressed the causes of abusive marriages in relation to Christian religion, revealed the reasons why people stay in abusive marriages as its operating objectives. This study is vital in that many husbands and wives in Trans-Nzoia county suffer in abusive marriages.it was based on the Theory of Reasoned Action(TRA) which postulates that humans are rational and that the behavior being explored is under volitional control. Descriptive survey design has been employed in carrying out the study. The study surveyed married people who regarded their marriages as abusive as well as religious leaders as its target population. Simple random sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 380 respondents; of whom 40 were religious leaders. The 340 respondents were stratified into males and females. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews schedules. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive statistics. The study aimed at benefiting victims of abusive marriages as well as to encourage marital abusers to desist from abusive acts. Furthermore, the findings added to the existing reservoir if knowledge in the area of religion and family issues and specifically domestic violence.