Becoming One
World Vision’s faith-based approach, Becoming One, equips couples with the tools and support they need to build safe, respectful, and loving relationships. Grounded in faith and guided by trusted community leaders, the approach fosters lasting behavioral change that improves family and community well-being.
Building Safe, Loving Partnerships
Becoming One is a faith-based couples counseling approach that helps prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and strengthen relationships. Delivered in partnership with Christian pastors and priests, the program equips couples with practical skills in communication, emotional regulation, financial planning, shared decision-making, and mutual consent.
Goals and Outcomes
Prevent intimate partner violence
Strengthen relationships and marriages, and enhance the church’s supportive role
Improve communication, financial health, and intimacy among couples
The Becoming One theory of change is based on the belief that individuals and couples are more likely to change when motivated from within and guided by trusted social, religious, or cultural sources.
Evidence of Impact
Religious counseling through Becoming One has been proven to reduce sexual and gender-based violence and improve family well-being. Two post-treatment follow-up surveys, conducted six and twelve months after program participation, revealed the following:
A 13% reduction in violence against women
Increased equality in power dynamics between partners
Enhanced communication and conflict resolution skills
A significant decline in less severe acts of violence, such as pushing, kicking, and punching
Strengthened cooperation, forgiveness, respect, and love within households
A reduction in alcohol consumption among husbands, a key contributor to IPV
More productive use of family income, supported by financial management training
By fostering healthier relationships and promoting mutual respect, Becoming One empowers couples, strengthens families, and enhances overall community well-being.
Becoming One Research & Resources
These videos feature the Becoming One project in Uganda, funded by the Imago Dei Fund (IDF). The project integrated gender equality and social inclusion (GESI)…
This GESI promising practice highlights Becoming One, World Vision’s faith-based approach to preventing intimate partner violence in Uganda. The project streng…
