Experiences of the Bettering Woman Paticipating in the Supportive Group Treatment Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of battering women participating in the Supportive Group Treatment Program. Fifteen women were included in this study. The Supportive Group program vas provided for battering women in a shelter from September, 1998 to June, 1999. Data were collected through in-depth interview from Group program. The data were analyzed in the framework of the Grounded Theory Method as mapped out by Strauss and Corbin(1990) which is useful in exposing and understanding the experience of the battering women and in gaining a new perspective in this area,. Thirty one concepts were conformed in the analysis.

Fifteen battering women have experienced trauma, anger, frustrating, withdrawal, escaping from husband, unstablity, and distrust through the marriage life. The subjects experienced freedom, security, and space for self in shelter life. Also changes from participating Supportive Group program, were objective understanding in their situations, independence from husband, hope, strength, and seeking coping stretegy. This study helps to understand women who suffer from domestic violence.