Women's experiences leaving abusive relationships

A shelter-based qualitative study

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15098255
AutoresMasemetse Baholo (University of the Witwatersrand, autor correspondente), Nicola Christofides (0000-0002-3559-6401, University of the Witwatersrand), Anne Wright (0000-0001-9685-7348, University of the Witwatersrand), Yandisa Sikweyiya (0000-0001-7153-5828, University of the Witwatersrand), Nwabisa Shai (0000-0003-4171-9129, South African Medical Research Council), Nwabisa Jama Shai
Ano2015
Volume17
Fascículo5
Páginas638-649
Data de publicação2015-05-28
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoCulture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13691058.2014.979881
PMID25470526
OpenAlexW2027175415
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas12
Referências citadas20

Intimate partner violence is a worldwide problem. South Africa has one of the highest rates of intimate partner violence and therefore requires effective and sustainable approaches to prevention and response. For abused women, the process of leaving an intimate partner is difficult and mired in an abundance of complex factors that influence decision making. This qualitative study explored women's experiences of leaving abusive homes and relationships and the critical factors that pushed them to leave. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 adult women who had experienced partner abuse and were residents of a shelter in Gauteng Province, South Africa. All interviews were audio-taped with consent, translated where necessary and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of interviews was carried out. Two themes emerged as being instrumental to leaving: 'a phase of change' and the 'process of leaving the abusive relationship'. Leaving an abusive relationship was found to be a complex process that did not necessarily imply the end of the relationship and it reflected women's changing attitudes over time. Awareness of shelters and social support was found to be critical in facilitating departure from abusive relationships

Abusive relationship · Criminology · Domestic violence · Environmental health · Poison control · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Thematic analysis · Homelessness and Social Issues · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Medicine · Psychology · Sex work and related issues · Social Psychology