Citation

Gefter JR, Bankoff SM, Valentine SE, Rood BA, Pantalone DW. Women Ther. 2013; 36(3-4): 332-355.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02703149.2013.799987

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We identified no empirical investigations of ways in which feminist beliefs might protect women from the effects of male-perpetrated abuse. Thus, we used a qualitative approach to explore this association. We conducted 32 interviews with women who reported prior experiences of male-perpetrated abuse. The results suggest that feminist beliefs have protected these women by (a) decreasing self-blame and shame; (b) promoting a connection to, and support from, other women; (c) recognizing that they are not alone; and (d) enhancing personal agency and power. We discuss the importance of future quantitative research in this area to further inform feminist-inspired interventions.

Keywords

women; abuse; feminism; interpersonal violence; recovery; feminist beliefs