The Impact of Faith-Based Couples' Counseling on Relationship Dynamics and Intimate Partner Violence in Uganda

Globally, violence is a leading risk factor for premature death and morbidity for women. In Uganda, more than half of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner at least once in their lifetime. A small but growing body of literature focuses on addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) by leveraging existing social institutions, but few studies have looked at faith-based sources of authority. The International Rescue Committee designed and piloted a couples counseling program led by local faith leaders that sought to improve relationship dynamics that are thought to cause IPV. Researchers have partnered with World Vision to evaluate the impact of this faith leader delivered program on four primary outcomes: intimate partner violence; control and decision-making; sexual consent and autonomy; and, communication and conflict management techniques.