Meet Jacqueline Dyer, MSW, LICSW

February 2009

I was delighted when Dr. Kroeger asked me to write something about myself and the mission to which God has called me regarding intimate partner violence among believers.  Currently, I am on the last push toward obtaining my doctorate degree.  The research I’ve designed and will be implementing, investigates the ways African American Christian couples use their beliefs to address conflict.  The broader work that this project and others support is that of working with pastors and churches to enhance their capacity for making the changes needed, including structural or personnel, to support effective internal counseling, safety and accountability efforts regarding partner violence in churches.  The nature of this work is through partnership with the church leadership and members, and begins with a call for an initial consultation.

What drives me to work on partner violence in churches?  Over time, I’d helped several friends cope with violent marriages.  The violence included intimidation, being hit, having their things torn up and broken, and being belittled, in addition to other verbal and emotional abuse.  All of these African-descended women are Christian, some went to the same church I did.  I had also learned about several other situations in the lives of other women I knew.  Again, the common denominator was that they were all active Christian women, some of whom held respected leadership positions in their churches, along with their husbands.  I’ve never encountered any religion that gives its believers permission to beat-up their spouses.  Through our own work, each of us fits in another puzzle piece towards completing the picture of ending partner violence. 

If you would like to contact Jacqueline to learn more about her work and possibly meet with her, please call her at 781-842-1822, or send an email. Visit her website, Strength to Strength.