O-15 The lived experience of women in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) relationships in rural communities in Trinidad
Author(s):
LV Babb ON Ocho with contributions by A Alleyne Cumberbatch
Year of Presentation:
2024
Objective: To explore the lived experienced of women in intimate partner violence relationships, in rural communities in South Trinidad.
Methods: A qualitative, case study research. The 10 participants chosen by snowballing came from the rural communities of south –east Trinidad. Key informant interviews collected the data. Interviews were audio taped, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis. of participants’ experiences. Using the Van Manen’s phenomenology, this study explored the subjective meanings.
Results: Four themes identified were (i) Common factors associated with intimate partner violence, (ii) Decision making, (iii) Coping and (iv) Common responses of attitudes and feelings to intimate partner violence. Participants even though they dealt with varying situations that constitute Intimate partner violence, there were commonalities and similarities in their lived experiences. Abusers insidiously and subtly exerted control and power over participants, who influenced by limited options, decided to stay or return, for instance, lack of support. Decisions led participants to adopt strategies like spirituality to cope with their daily struggles. At times strategies used were extreme in nature. Consequently, participants exhibited common attitudes and behaviours from their lived experiences.
Conclusion: IPV continues to be manifested as total control, power and manipulation with resultant dependency by women on the abusers. While remaining in relationships may be construed as a challenge, for many women, doing so may be associated with strategies for coping , being deliberate in making a decision to maintain the immediate family social network or the development of inerta or living in hope for a change of the experience.