From Victim to Victor: A Qualitative Investigation of Religion/Spirituality in Women after Interpersonal Violence

Roughly one in three women will experience interpersonal violence (IpV) at some point in their life. It is unclear in the literature whether one’s religion and spirituality (RS) might aid in healing from interpersonal violence. The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experiences of IpV-exposed women and to understand how RS played a role in their healing process. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n=9) and a subsequent national survey (n=538). A four phase analysis of interviews revealed three themes (Connection to God, Connection to People, and Connection to Self) and a phenomenological essence termed Relationally Reflective. The national survey revealed findings that supported the themes and filled gaps in interview data. Women exposed to IpV use their RS to aid in reflection across connections with God, other people, and themselves. Knowing the importance of RS in the lives of IpV exposed women can stimulate social workers to reflect on their own integration of faith and practice. It may also lead to ,ore intentionally guiding clients' reflection on their relationships with God, other people, and themselves. Keywords: Religion and spirituality, interpersonal violence, women, trauma, qualitative