Citation

Salazar M, Hogberg U, Valladares E, Ohman A. Violence Against Women 2012; 18(11): 1257-1278.

Affiliation

1Center for Demography and Health Research, Nicaraguan National Autonomous University, León, Nicaragua.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801212470549

PMID

23334814

Abstract

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.

Language: en