BARRIERS TO DISCLOSURE AND COPING STRATEGIES OF DOMESTICALLY ABUSED WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

Abstract

It is undoubtedly a fact that domestic violence and its relationship in domestic settings is not much visible in any society. This research study is an essay to dig out the facts and narratives of the domestically abused women and the difficulties they face in their relationships with perpetuator and with family. Feministic approach is a tool used to dig the very essence of incumbent responsibilities performed by the survivors remaining in the relationship with the perpetuator and the coping strategies they adopt to satisfy their inner conscious too live in the same abusive relationship. In depth interviews are conducted to account for the lived experiences of the women survivors. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 women who identified themselves as victims and survivors of domestic violence perpetrated by their husbands. There were seven themes identified in the study. The analysis of the results revealed that women were hesitant to disclose about their abusive relation with their husbands as family honor, lack of family support and social pressures were identified as main hindrances. There were seven major themes extracted from the interviews few are Mental agony, comprised relationship, social pressures, catharsis. Therefore, religious path and employment were recognized as sources of solace

Keywords: Domestic abuse, violence, women, spirituality, mental agony