From Victims to Victors: Escaping the Forest Of Abuse

Abstract

The study aimed to explore and characterize the experiences of abused women and children. This phenomenon would be in terms of these individuals’ feeling and experiences before the abusive tendencies, during the abuse, after going out from the abusive relationship, and how the experience changed their lives. To facilitate the data gathering process, we utilized unstructured face-to-face interview. The data collected were transcribed in a verbatim manner, and were processed using Colaizzi’s 7-step method of data analysis. Four (4) participants were chosen through purposive network sampling. Triangulation method was used to check the rigor and validity of data. Four (4) categories were extracted that made up the lived experiences of abused women and children. Foremost category is “Getting Caught in the Forest of Abuse” which encompasses the events that transpired before the participants suffered from abuse. The second category, “Under the Canopy of Darkness”, contains the details of events during the abuse, consisting of five themes: “Walking Through the Sticks of Pain”, “Passing Through the Rocks of Neglect and Belittlement”, “Fearing the Echoes in the Dark”, “A Breathe of Fresh Air”, and “Sinking in Quicksand of Despair”. The third category, “Seeing Light Shining Through”, depicts how the abusers repented. The last category, “Escaping from the Forest of Abuse”, covers the participants’ recovery and healing process. Based on the findings, the following inferences were drawn: (1) An abusive relationship does not start as abusive. (2) Physical, psycho-emotional, economical, and educational neglect and abuse are the common types of abuse experienced by women and children. (3) In order to cope with the abusive relationship, the victims would flee from home. (4) Repentance of the abusers can help the victims move on. Based on the conclusions made, the following are recommended: (1) Parents should undergo trainings and seminars about good parenting. (2) Nurses and nurse learners should conduct trainings and seminars about good parenting. (3) In going to a relationship, think about the possible consequences and what could happen. (4) Since emotional and psychological abuses are present other than physical abuses, nurses and nurse learners should learn to assess these. (5) The government should continue with programs for the poor. (6) Nurse learners should educate women and children especially in the community about the rights of women and children. (7) Results of this study be shared in conventions and fora to increase awareness.