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Published in: Journal of Family Violence 4/2016

Open Access 01-05-2016 | Original Article

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

Authors: Kjersti Alsaker, Bente E. Moen, Valborg Baste, Tone Morken

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 4/2016

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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.
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Metadata
Title
How Has Living with Intimate Partner Violence Affected the Work Situation? A Qualitative Study among Abused Women in Norway
Authors
Kjersti Alsaker
Bente E. Moen
Valborg Baste
Tone Morken
Publication date
01-05-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Family Violence / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-016-9806-2

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