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

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 Melbourne
• Dr Josephine Clarke, Research Fellow, University of Melbourne
• Reverend Canon Dr Joan Riley, Principal of Saint Barnabas College, Anglican Diocese of Adelaide
• Sharon Lockwood, Survivors’ Advocate, Anglican Diocese of Adelaide

Together, 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 communities
• The role of pastoral care in addressing self-blame and spiritual harm
• Gender inequality as inseparable from violence prevention
• Training gaps and implementation challenges
• Dismantling patriarchal structures in religious institutions
• Measuring progress and planning for the future

The 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.

Content note: This episode discusses domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Support services:
Triple Zero (000) in an emergency/immediate threat to life
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
1800RESPECT 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 help
Further 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-ev14

Wendt, 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/10.1080/09589236.2024.2377635
Clarke, J., Wendt, S., & Mayer, W. (2024). Exploring the Theological Context to Domestic and Family Violence. Violence Against Women, 10778012241254849. https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012241254849

Clarke, 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