Rebuilding Lives after Domestic Violence: Understanding Long-Term Outcomes

REBUILDING LIVES AFTER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: UNDERSTANDING LONG-TERM OUTCOMES Abrahams, H. (2010), London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, pp.208 (pbk) £18.99 ISBN 978-1-84310-961-7 This newly published book by Hilary Abrahams makes a very distinctive contribution to the growing literature on victims of domestic violence with the following claim: This is the first study since the late 1970s to follow women from the refuge into their new lives, and the only one to cover such an extended period [. JIt is unique in offering contemporary factual evidence on the long-term effects of domestic violence and abuse and of women 's needs in areas such as housing, health and employment, (p. 1-2) Not only does this book deliver on this assertion but it also bears testament to the fortitude and courage of the women who participated in the study, as well as offering practical guidance and insights for those whose work directly, or indirectly, with victims of domestic violence. The research consisted of interviewing 22 women who had previously been involved in two earlier enquiries; these previous studies looked at the immediate consequences on those who had just left an abusive relationship. The research methods and practical, as well as the ethical, issues are clearly explained in detail in the appendices. It is noted that, although there were differences in the respective women's experiences, they were united by shared experiences. Moreover, Abrahams counters any criticism which could be made that these particular experiences lack broader relevance by making links with wider research findings. However, it is significant that the individual experiences are privileged over and above the more general findings, as some of the aims of the book are to celebrate the achievements of the women involved in the study and provide inspiration for others. Chapter One looks at the issues related to how and why women leave abusive relationships. It highlights that women experience low self-esteem and 'diminishing horizons', which can restrict their options. It also makes links with Maslow's hierarchy of needs and charts the difficulties of meeting these needs. In regards to theoretical developments, this study is not ground-breaking, but the chapter comes into its own in relating this to the women's own experiences of leaving home and seeking a new life. It vividly highlights the pervasive emotional ambivalence around leaving an abusive relationship. It lucidly conveys the emotional enormity at stake in deciding to leave the home and offers a robust challenge to the question 'why don't they just leave? '. The chapter ends with a summary of the key points, which lends itself ideally for training purposes. The later chapters follow a similar structure and pattern: a general introduction to the topic, the foregrounding of the experiences of the participants, and a summary of the general points. Chapter Two identified the practical as well as the emotional obstacles to be addressed in the pursuit of a new home and Chapter Three leads onto the significance of establishing various support systems for both short-term and long-term needs. What is interesting to note in this section is how favourably police intervention has been appreciated in comparison with other agencies. It stands in positive contrast to previous research findings and may be indicative of improved developments in police training and practice. …