Citation

Sleutel MR. Issues Ment. Health Nurs. 1998; 19(6): 525-539.

Affiliation

Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas, USA. martha.sleutel@angelo.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9883129

Abstract

This article reviews qualitative research published within the past 15 years based on women's first person accounts of their abuse experiences. Battered women's accounts of their experiences in abusive relationships aid in understanding why they stay, how they cope, and how others can help. Women's views of the emotional consequences of battering, the process of leaving, and the impact of social systems and community resources were consistent. Other themes in the literature were abuse in pregnancy, women who fight back, substance use, sex after beatings, family origins, and women who are elderly, minority, or from other cultures. Future research is needed on minority and affluent women, as well as the role of batterer's patriarchal attitudes and religious beliefs. Practice suggestions include expanding screening and parent education to pediatricians' offices and schools.

Language: en