Citation

Taylor JY. Women Ther. 2002; 25(3): 79-94.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J015v25n03_06

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In this ethnographic study, a womanist framework was used to investigate the disengaging-terminating process used by Black women (N= 21) who had survived intimate male partner abuse. Data interpretation revealed three stages of disengaging described by the survivors: (a) defining moments: rejecting the violence and exiting the relationship; (b) moving away: distancing the self; and (c) moving on: finding affirmation and support. This process is representative of individual and collective acts of resistance. Suggestions for therapeutic interventions are offered for each stage of the disengagement process.