Role of Religious Leaders and Gender-Based Domestic Violence: Christian and Muslim Experiences in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the role of religious leaders in addressing gender-based violence, with particular emphasis on domestic violence within Christian and Muslim communities in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Employing a comparative theological and sociological approach, the study explores how religious beliefs, institutional structures, and pastoral practices shape perceptions and responses to domestic violence. The study finds that both Christianity and Islam promote values of love, justice, human dignity, compassion, and non-violence, which provide important theological resources for challenging domestic abuse. Nevertheless, cultural interpretations, selective readings of sacred texts, and patriarchal social structures may sometimes undermine these principles and contribute to the normalisation or tolerance of abusive practices. Both religious traditions engage in pastoral care, counselling, preaching, and advocacy, although the level of institutional awareness, theological engagement, and practical response to domestic violence varies considerably. The study argues that religious leaders have a critical responsibility in preventing and responding to domestic violence and recommends theological re-education, structured clergy training, interfaith collaboration, and stronger institutional support as transformative strategies for promoting justice, healing, and protection of vulnerable victims.