On Becoming Trauma Informed: Exploring the Narratives of Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

The aim of the current research was to explore the narratives of female survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) to better understand the role of Trauma Informed Care (TIC) for this specific population. The term Trauma Informed Care has become increasingly popularised over the last decade, but little research exists to examine and understand the role of this approach for particular populations, such as female survivors of IPV. Much of the existing research in this field pertains to developing tools for measuring TIC adherence as opposed to detailed survivor accounts of the IPV journey including finding refuge. A feminist epistemological position was adopted to centralise female survivor voices within the present research. In-depth semi-structured interviews were analysed narratively in order to preserve and share the survivor stories in their entirety, within the scope of this research. Each interview was analysed individually, which resulted in a minimum of 10 core narratives being identified. These narratives linked to survivor experiences of the abusive relationship, getting out, finding refuge and looking to the future. Two higher-order narrative typologies were derived from the individual accounts shared; these related to the interview process itself, and survivors feeling driven to help one another, particularly within the refuge. The findings of this narrative study illuminated several implications for clinical practice/services for IPV survivors. The narrative typology regarding the interview process was associated with the principles of TIC in terms of preventing iatrogenic harm. The role of peer support and survivor volunteers within IPV services and refuge was discussed in relation to embracing and harnessing the survivor identity and IPV sisterhood.