A Narrative Journey for Intimate Partner Violence: From Victim to Survivor

The purpose of this research was to examine the decision-making process of battered women from a Narrative framework and to identify the major internal and external constructs (emphasizing unique outcomes, dominant cultural narratives, and support for new narratives) which allow for these women to re-story their lives. Several themes emerged indicating that the decision-making processes is dependent upon the ability to capture positive moments in their lives without allowing the perceived influence of dominant cultural narratives to override these moments. The process is further clouded by perception of available social networks and resources that support change of her narrative.