"I Should Not Leave, You Know": The Voices of Strength in Intimate Partner Violence

• In Event: 45.076 - Intimate Stories of Lived Experience

Abstract

There are aspects of intimate partner violence that prioritized security and safety over self-development. Yet, the competence women use to pursue self-development has not been succinctly studied. The purpose of this inquiry is to explore aspects that contributed to (1) non-prioritization of self-development, and (2) their capacity to pursue their education. This study utilized narrative inquiry in using life stories as a research undertaking in reconstructing the experiences of individual persons. Themes of surpassing, reversal, responsiveness and self-efficacy emerged from the study. By looking closely at the narratives, one might be drawn to a plot marked by a lack of self-empowerment to potentials of self-development. Thus, the competencies of these women are recognized, by sharing their survival and self-development journeys.

Author

• Charity Embley, Texas Tech University