A Grassroots Religious Response to Domestic Violence in Haiti

Abstract

The Caribbean island nation of Haiti has a history of victory over slavery, and a history of violence, including violence against women and children. Haiti's traditional religion, Vodou, is a resource for change. The theology at the heart of Haitian Vodou stands in direct contrast to domestic violence. Centered on a theology of hospitality and equality, Vodou offers great potential as a voice of resistance against violence. Grassroots responses in various forms have begun to emerge from within Vodou, but to date there is no cohesive organization to pull these voices together. Work in organizing the religious responses denouncing domestic violence would provide the opportunity for a systemic change.