Introduction

Abstract

My central focus in this book is on women’s agency in the face of the constraints of gender, domestic violence¹ and poverty. All of the women participants in this study, like Jill² and Louise, took many actions and overcame multiple obstacles in moving through and away from abusive and violent relationships. I have called my book ‘Surviving domestic violence’ to reflect my focus on agency and in tribute to all women who have survived domestic violence, and also as a reference back to Liz Kelly’s book ‘Surviving sexual violence’ (1988) which was influential in my development as a researcher and of course in the field more generally.

Yes I should think the last seven years have been the worst of the lot …I wanted to do things with my life and he just wouldn’t let me (Jill).

I’d say I’m a survivor mmm I’m much, much stronger, because now I have to make me own decisions, I can’t turn to anybody else for help in a situation that concerns just me, myself… I just feel a better person all round. If I want to do anything I’ll go out and do it and there’s nobody stopping me from doing it (Louise).