Experience of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

This thesis focuses on experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV). Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is a prevalent and extremely violent behaviour that is prevalent within IPV contexts, typically used as a tool to coerce and control a victim.

Paper one systematically reviews published studies looking at executive function in adult survivors of IPV. Existing reviews and a meta-analysis detail executive function for perpetrators of IPV. However, this review, is the first to explore patterns of executive function in survivors. The review focuses on both acquired brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, as possible mechanisms, impacting executive function. The results discuss the implications of executive dysfunction for survivors; likely impeding ability to escape an abusive relationship, navigate systems of support, secure justice and a life free from abuse.

Paper two explores women’s experiences of reporting NFS to the police. Ten survivors share their stories of reporting to the police and as part of this also reflect on experiences of interactions with the wider criminal justice system. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was utilised to identify themes, these were: fears of reporting, police attitudes and culture, lack of police understanding of NFS, impact of trauma on ability to give reliable testimony, context of an intimate partner perpetrating the violence, learned helplessness and hopelessness from police actions, and feeling held and heard. The paper outlines recommendations for the police guided by survivors’ ideas around change.

Paper three summarises the combined implications for clinical practice of both paper one and two. Together, advocating for change at the widest level, across the criminal justice system, to meet the needs of survivors of IPV.

Date of Award	26 Sept 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Bangor University
Supervisor	Lucy Piggin (Supervisor) & Helen Bichard (Supervisor)