How Has Living with Intimate Partner Violence Affected the Work Situation? A Qualitative Study among Abused Women in Norway.

Kjersti Alsaker,Bente E Moen,Valborg Baste,Tone Morken

doi:10.1007/s10896-016-9806-2

Kjersti Alsaker, Bente E Moen + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-016-9806-2

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Abstract

A qualitative study was conducted among 18 abused women from different parts of Norway to explore what paid work means for women exposed to partner violence and how living with an abusive partner affected their working life. Based on systematic text condensation analyses of their experiences as described in individual and focus group interviews, the study’s findings reveal two major themes. The first is about recovery and survival, and the other about the spillover of problems caused by a violent partner into paid work. Work was important to the women, as it represented time off from violence, contact with others who cared for them, and maintenance of self-esteem and self-confidence. Having their own money provided security and strengthened the belief that they could manage on their own. The spillover of intimate partner violence problems appeared through feelings of fear, shame and guilt at work.

Highlights

The employment rate among women seeking refuge at women’s shelters in Norway is about 40 % (Alsaker et al 2009; Vista Analyse 2012), while the general employment rate among women in Norway is about 75 %
The aims of this study are to gain a better understanding of what paid work means for women in Norway exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and how living with an abusive partner affected these women’s working lives
Paid work represented survival and recovery through freedom from violence and contact with others who cared for them, and this was important for the maintenance of self-esteem and self-confidence

Summary

Introduction

The employment rate among women seeking refuge at women’s shelters in Norway is about 40 % (Alsaker et al 2009; Vista Analyse 2012), while the general employment rate among women in Norway is about 75 %. The connection between abuse of women and employment is still very much a hidden issue in Norway as few researches have focused on this and as partner issues are perceived belonging to the private and work to the public area. It is important to shed light on this issue. The aims of this study are to gain a better understanding of what paid work means for women in Norway exposed to IPV and how living with an abusive partner affected these women’s working lives.

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