The Decision to Leave the Abusive Partner by Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence and Risk of Further Revictimization: The Role of Gratitude and Risk Perception

Abstract

Being able to perceive the risk of further violence can be an essential step toward seeking help, leaving the abuser, and eventually reducing the risk of revictimization. The current study looks at the individual and contextual risk factors related to perception of risk and, subsequently, their influence on the decision of 83 battered women to leave the abusive partner after 1 year as well as on revictimization. Results indicated that perceiving more risk is a predictive factor in the decision to leave the partner. A dangerous side of gratitude emerged about future revictimization. Results are discussed for clinical implications.