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Abstract

Based upon evidence from present scholarship, intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) continues to be problematic in modern UK society, despite laws seeking to protect victims, affect under-reporting and low prosecution and conviction rates. Laws have not been enough to change and affect engrained beliefs regarding IPSV. This study considers how the interpretation of Christian scriptures has affected the perceptions of IPSV in UK law and culture. Three central aims underpin the enquiry, namely: to demonstrate how biblical interpretation has helped to shape modern cultural and legal perceptions of IPSV; to refute biblical teachings that legitimise IPSV; and finally to evidence the value of condemnation of domestic abuse and IPSV by Christianity through the use of scripture. The methods used include an extended literature review and the use of hermeneutics in the examination of scriptures that inform policy and law in the context of IPSV. This sociological approach to examining IPSV is designed to be read alongside individualistic and biological approaches to IPSV. The study posits a four-stage process of accretion to exemplify how readings of scripture have affected UK legal and cultural perceptions of IPSV and asserts that the same process could be used by Christian churches in the UK to promote alternative readings of scriptures that demand justice for victims and to condemn domestic abuse and IPSV. Interpretations of scriptures at pivotal points in legal history have informed policy which have become crystalised in law, in turn, these have found their way into cultural beliefs. As the national religion, Christianity has a legal, moral and spiritual responsibility to condemn crimes and support victims.

Course: Criminal Justice - MSc - C2681F

Date Deposited: 2024-11-21

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14571.html