Dismantling Patriarchy in the Pews: A 20-Year Study on Faith and Violence

Content note: This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.What does it take for an institution to honestly examine how it responds to gender-based violence? In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research commissioned by the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide – a rare longitudinal study comparing clergy and church workers' responses to disclosures of abuse across 20 years.Siân Human speaks with:Professor Sarah Wendt, Professor of Social Work, University of MelbourneDr Josephine Clarke, Research Fellow, University of MelbourneReverend Canon Dr Joan Riley, Principal of Saint Barnabas College, Anglican Diocese of AdelaideSharon Lockwood, Survivors’ Advocate, Anglican Diocese of AdelaideTogether, they discuss what the research revealed: significant improvements in responding to child abuse, but persistent gaps in addressing adult sexual assault and domestic violence. The conversation explores the unique strengths of pastoral care, the challenges of addressing gender inequality in religious contexts, and the cultural transformation needed to truly support survivors.From the misuse of scripture to keep women in violent relationships, to the ‘Ten Commitments’ making domestic violence prevention and response visible in churches – this episode doesn't shy away from difficult truths. But it's ultimately a story of courage, partnership, and the possibility of change.Topics covered:Longitudinal research methodology and partnership with faith communitiesThe role of pastoral care in addressing self-blame and spiritual harmGender inequality as inseparable from violence preventionTraining gaps and implementation challengesDismantling patriarchal structures in religious institutionsMeasuring progress and planning for the futureThe researchers are now exploring faith-based pastoral care practices through the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW), continuing this vital work across different faith contexts.Support services:Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to lifeKids Helpline 1800 55 18001800RESPECT call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 13 YARN call 13 92 76, crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline call 1800 497 212 Men’s Referral Service call 1300 766 491 Find international helpFurther reading:Main report discussed in episode: Wendt, S., & Clarke, J. (2024). A study into the experiences of clergy and church workers in the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide when responding to abuse of children, sexual assault of adults, and domestic and family violence. Final report June 2024. University of Melbourne. https://doi.org/10.26188/26316742 The 2005 Morrison Report can be found here (scroll down) https://adelaideanglicans.com/reports/Other related research:'Religion and domestic violence: Exploring men’s perpetration. Report on research findings for the Lutheran Church of Australia.' https://doi.org/10.25957/x33r-ev14Wendt, S., Clarke, J., & Mayer, W. (2024). Exploring Christian Lutheran theological framings that shape men’s perpetration of domestic violence through pastor perspectives. Journal of Gender Studies, 34(7), 928–941. https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2024.2377635Clarke, J., Wendt, S., & Mayer, W. (2024). Exploring the Theological Context to Domestic and Family Violence. Violence Against Women, 10778012241254849. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012241254849Clarke, J., Wendt, S., & Mayer, W. (2025). Theological arguments framing violence against women: Context, cause and the gendered impacts of scriptural priorities. Women's Studies International Forum, 111, 103102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wsif.2025.103102