LONG ROADS AND TALL MOUNTAINS: THE IMPACT OF MOTHERHOOD ON THE RECOVERY AND HEALTH OF DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORS

Abstract

Using semistructured interviews with female domestic abuse survivors, in this study I investigated the relationships among female domestic abuse survivors' recovery from victimization, the influential effects of motherhood on the recovery process, and the real and perceived physical and psychological health of the survivor. Analysis of these relationships was undertaken to construct a better understanding of the health aspects of the female postvictimization experience and point out new areas of research investigation. When applied to the stress paradigm, findings indicate that abuse survivors who are also mothers may experience slower rates of recovery from abuse and lower physical and mental health status (both perceived and real) than victims who do not have children. Consequently, this may have an impact upon the survivor's children as well. Implications for further research are discussed.