The supportive process for ending intimate partner violence after pregnancy: the experience of Nicaraguan women
Salazar, M.; Högberg, U.; Valladares, E.; Ohman, A.
Violence Against Women 18(11): 1257-1278
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1552-8448 PMID: 23334814 DOI: 10.1177/1077801212470549Document Number: 577953
This grounded theory study found that Nicaraguan mothers exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy eventually acted to protect their children and themselves. They experienced ending abuse as an empowerment process characterized by a cognitive change in women's attitudes toward partner abuse and the emergence of help-seeking strategies that lead to ending violence with or without ending the relationship. This process was facilitated by a supportive environment that challenged abusive behaviors as well as being asked about abuse during their last pregnancy. Although environmental changes can facilitate ending abuse, Nicaragua's public institutions must be strengthened to reach women in need.