Considering and Navigating New Relationships during Recovery from Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Few researchers have explored women’s experiences of considering and navigating romantic relationships after leaving abusive partners. Findings from this phenomenological investigation suggested that survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced both challenging and facilitative experiences, including reclaiming themselves through dating, learning to trust self and others, negotiating boundaries and control, communication with new partners, sexual exploration, and protecting children. Implications include viewing post-IPV dating as an important aspect of survivors’ recovery.