Leaving Abusive Relationships: Constructions of Self and Situation by Abused Women

Abstract

This study gathered data by interviewing women who had left abusive relationships. Analysis of the discursive resources used by participants indicated that their constructions of the abusive situation were influenced by wider social and cultural discourses. Some of these maintained participants in their abusive relationships and gave rise to dilemmas that reduced their ability to deal with the situation. Other discourses promoted self-reliant ways of behaving. These helped participants to leave the abusive situation and encouraged a self-construction of personal strength and agency. The role of social discourses in how women deal with abuse and the implications of this are discussed.