Impacts of Male Intimate Partner Violence on Women: A Life Course Perspective

Nerilee Hing, Catherine O’Mullan, Lydia Mainey, Elaine Nuske, Helen Breen and Annabel Taylor
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Nerilee Hing: School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg 4670, Australia
Catherine O’Mullan: School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg 4670, Australia
Lydia Mainey: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University, Cairns 4870, Australia
Elaine Nuske: School of Arts and Social Science, Southern Cross University, Bilinga 4225, Australia
Helen Breen: School of Business and Tourism, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, Australia
Annabel Taylor: Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, Central Queensland University, Mackay 4740, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-16

Abstract: The nature and extent of the impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV) on victims are well documented, particularly male partner violence against women. However, less is known about how these impacts might change over time, including their legacy after women leave an abusive relationship and the lasting effects in their later lives. The purpose of this study was to examine women’s experiences of IPV at different stages over their life courses. Interviews with a cohort of 18 older women who had left an abusive relationship were analysed using thematic narrative analysis and the findings were presented according to trajectories, transitions, and turning points over their life courses. When in the relationship, the women experienced direct impacts on their physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing. During separation, many experienced continued abuse and housing, legal, and financial stress. Life after separation was marked by loneliness, trauma, financial insecurity, and damaged relationships. Some women reached a turning point in their recovery through helping others. Understanding these impacts can inform interventions during each stage. Crisis support is critical when women are in an abusive relationship and during the dangerous phase of separation. Interventions can also assist women’s longer-term wellbeing and help them recover through post-traumatic growth.

Keywords: violence against women; male partner violence; domestic violence; family violence; gendered violence; trajectories; transitions; turning points; thematic narrative analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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