Abstract: Spousal abuse can be traumatizing both physically and psychologically to the victims, but many women continue to stay in abusive spousal relationships. This is despite the fact that trauma experienced as a result of betrayal from a loved one is much deeper with serious psychological scars. This study examined the turning points that could be used in helping abused women to end spousal abuse and turn from being victims to survivors. Data were collected from 10 women survivors in Embakkasi Sub county of Nairobi County by use of an in depth semi-structured interview schedule and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs).A phenomenological data analysis process was used to analyze the descriptions of the turning points that were brought out by the participants. Results showed that awareness of abuse, social support, economic empowerment, sense of autonomy and severity of abuse, were the main turning points that triggered the survivors to reappraise and end their abusive situations. Using the Transtheoritical model, the article recommends that women need to be empowered to reappraise their stay decisions so as to move progressively from contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance of abuse free relationships.
Key words: Spousal abuse, victim, survivor, turning points, empower
[1]. Alexander, P. C, Tracy, A, Radek, M & Koverola, C.(2009).Predicting stages of change in battered women. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 24, 652– 672.
[2]. Al-Modallal, H, Sowan, A. K, Hamaideh, S, Peden, A. R, Al-Omari, H & Al-Rawashdeh, A. B.(2012).Psychological outcomes of intimate partner violence experienced by Jordanian working women. Health Care for Women International, 33(3), 217-227.
[3]. Amanor-Boadu, Y, Messing, J.T, Stith, S.M, Anderson, J.R, O'Sullivan, C.S & Campbell, J.C. (2012). Immigrant and non-immigrant women: Factors that predict leaving an abusive relationship. Violence Against Women. XX(X), 1–23.
[4]. Astion, M, & O'Brian, K. (2009).Massachusetts intimate partner homicide review: An overview of district attorney cases between 2005 and 2007. Boston, MA: Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Research and Policy analysis Division.
[5]. Azziz-Baumgartner,E,Homaira.N,Hamadani,J.D,Tofail,F,Dahlberg,L.L,Haque,R, Luby,S.P & Naved,R.T.(2014). The prevalence and impact of intimate partner violence on maternal distress in a community of low-income Bangladeshi and displaced ethnic Bihari mothers: Dhaka, 2008-2009. Violence Against Women, 20(1), 59–73: