Influence of Religious Beliefs and Hopefulness on Women’s Stay in Abusive Marriages in Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to assess the influence of religious beliefs and hopefulness on women’s stay in abusive marriages in Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya. The study employed a mixed method approach under descriptive survey design. Respondents were drawn from half-way home called ‘safe spaces’ in Kiambu Sub-County; and Census method was used to recruit 38 women sheltered in ‘safe spaces’ home. The respondents filled in questionnaires and participated in focused group discussions (FGDs). Data were analysed descriptively utilizing means, standard deviations, proportions and percentages. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS v.25. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied in assessing how the variables of the study related. Quantitative findings were presented in tables and figures. Qualitative results were analyzed in themes and reported verbatim. Findings indicated that women’s religious beliefs had an impact on whether or not they stayed in abusive marital unions as most were not ready to quit their marriages due to their religious beliefs (mean = 4.27) and their hopefulness for better times ahead (mean = 4.27). Further, a statistically notable and positive connection existed between the women’s religious beliefs and their stay in abusive marriages (β = 0.712, p<0.05), and between women’s hopefulness and their stay in abusive marriages (β = 0.769, p<0.05). The study recommends that empowerment initiatives for women to deal with abusive marriages should give due consideration to and incorporate the affected women’s religious beliefs and hopefulness attributes in seeking solutions to their marital challenges.