Can religion ever be used as a justification for DV?

Habibeh Rahim, a professor of theology and religious studies, allows that even though both Muslim and Hindu traditions generally accord men higher status than women, neither religion provides any kind of justification for domestic violence. In both religions, marital harmony and welfare is considered the foundation of family prosperity.
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Islam: In Islam, husbands are responsible for the welfare of their wife and children, and may not desert their family under any circumstances. Spouses are encouraged to be open and honest with each other, and tolerate each other’s faults. The Qur’an indicates that a man may strike or maintain an aggrieved silence against his wife for only one reason – if she were to engage in lewd behaviors in his absence; even then, the husband may not continue to do so if his wife changes her behavior.
When there is conflict in a marriage, both husband and wife are advised to seek independent counsel. If there is to be no reconciliation, the separation must be characterized be kindness on both sides. In case of separation, the laws generally favor the men, for whom it is easier to divorce and remarry.
The Prophet, whom many followers consider a Muslim exemplar, was believed to be a very kind, gentle, respectful and humble husband who encouraged independence in his wives. He did not expect his wives to serve him, and he sought their opinion in important matters.
Contrary to popular understanding, the Qur’an does not award a higher status to all men. In fact, women are accorded many protections, including a share (albeit a smaller one) of their father’s estate. Islam exhorts followers to support destitute women. In essence, Islam does not condone violence against women.
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Hinduism: According to the Laws of Manu, women are to be honored, cherished and adorned by the men in their lives. In return, however, women must be dependent on their fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons. A happy marriage is one in which there is respect, fidelity and commitment between the husband and wife. The wife, additionally, must be faithful, chaste and obedient to her husband, and not divorce or remarry in the event of widowhood. Husbands, for their part, should be magnanimous and exercise physical restraint.
Texts also suggest that women should not be forced into marriage, and should only enter into a marriage if it pleases them. A destitute woman must be treated with generosity and charity by her community. Once again, there is no justification in the religious texts for violence against women.
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In conclusion, Rahim argues that both Islam and Hinduism emphasize marriages that are characterized by respect, generosity, and kindness, and do not condone the systematic abuse of the wife.

[For more information, see: Rahim, H. (2000). Virtue, Gender and the Family: Reflections on Religious Texts in Islam and Hinduism. Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless, 9(3), 187-199.]