"My Whole Journey Has Been Harder Than Hell": The Lived Experiences of Indigenous Women Survivors

• In Event: Race, Ethnicity, and Victimization

Abstract

Indigenous women experience high rates of family violence, yet research on their survivorship remains limited. This study examines the resilience narratives of Indigenous women survivors of domestic violence, focusing on their coping strategies and pathways to healing. Using thematic analysis of 12 in-depth interviews, we identify key resilience mechanisms, including personal growth, emotional regulation, cultural and spiritual practices, and social support. Women leveraged work, independence, and community ties to rebuild their lives, while trauma responses influenced their emotional survival. Findings highlight the complex interplay between intergenerational victimization and resilience, demonstrating how cultural traditions both aid in healing and, at times, reinforce enduring cycles of abuse. This study underscores the need for culturally informed interventions to support survivors, address historical trauma, and break cycles of violence. By centering Indigenous women's voices, we contribute to a deeper understanding of survivorship and the role of cultural frameworks in fostering empowerment. These insights have implications for trauma-informed policies, community-based interventions, and future research on the long-term effects of family violence.

Authors

• Bothwell Piason, Arizona State University

• Kayleigh Stanek, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Kate Fox, Arizona State University

• Cassie Harvey, Arizona State University