Abstract
This article explores the convergence of narrative criminology and refugee women's experiences, framing the intricate process of becoming a refugee woman as "refugee women's holistic identity." Building on prior works addressing violence (Borges, 2023) and agency (Borges, 2024), the study integrates insights from 24 interviews with Middle Eastern and African refugee women. It challenges the dichotomy of violence and agency, emphasizing their interconnected nature in shaping a better life. Aligned with Pemberton and Aarten's (2018) narrative constructs, the discussion underscores the centrality of narrative to identity, its role in emotions, and its importance in connecting individual lives to broader cultural contexts. This narrative-centric approach contributes valuable insights to migration studies, informing gender-based policies and practices for enhanced support and offering a model for future research in the field.