The Rapha Study was a community-based participatory research project  (CBPR) that asked “What are the experiences of domestic abuse of victims/survivors in the church, and what are the attitudes of laypeople and leaders in Christian faith communities in Quebec towards this issue?”.

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We conducted this research from 2021-2024 in response to the spike in domestic violence in Québec following the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sought to determine the experiences of domestic abuse of churchgoing victims/survivors and their experiences related to support from both church leadership and laypersons.

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There are three final reports from this study: a survey of 503 current or former churchgoers in Québec; interviews with 13 victims/survivors; and focus groups with 39 clergy and church leaders.

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The Rapha study is complete. Once of its findings was the expressed need for more training, resources and materials to help churches prevent and respond to domestic violence. This has inspired the Rapha team to develop the ministry in new directions. 

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For more information on the study, contact our project team :

Jenna Smith (jsmith@direction.ca | 514-878-3035 poste 206)

Julie Kaulanjan (jkaulanjan@direction.ca | 514-878-3035 poste 206)