Role of Christian Religion in Retaining people in Abusive Marriages in Trans-Nzoia County, Rift Valley Region

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 nominated by men where the husband is seen as the head of the family. Wives are therefore seen as submissive and under control of men, and a decision made by a husband is not to be questioned by a wife. Christianity and other religions have retained people in abusive marriages in that it does not easily provide avenues out of an abusive marriage. The only avenue available is divorce, but is only given when the wife is unfaithful to her husband. But, when the husband becomes 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 and the Christian teachings on abusive marriages as its operating objectives. This study is vital in theta many husbands and wives in Trans-Nzoia County suffer in abusive marriages. It was based on 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 marriage 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 other 340 respondents are 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 of knowledge in the area of religion and family issues and specifically domestic violence.