Support Requested by Domestic Violence Survivors during Aftercare: A GTA Analysis of an Interview with a Survivor

Abstract

This study aimed to trace the difficulties experienced by domestic violence (DV) survivors in the process of rebuilding their lives away from the DV relationship. Additionally, it aimed to clarify the role of the informal support required to overcome these difficulties. Therefore, we conducted an interview with Ms. A, an affected individual, regarding the difficulties experienced after leaving the shelter, and analyzed the data using the grounded theory approach.

While separating from the DV relationship, in addition to supporting her determination and providing practical support, we confirmed the importance of continuous support for “connecting” the affected party with social resources, even at her new place of residence. In addition, due to the move, the affected party had lost her community. Therefore, despite having access to social resources, the affected party was more likely to fall into a feeling of loneliness, seeking a presence that can sympathize with her suffering. Furthermore, it was suggested that attempts to rebuild the sense of community were accompanied by interpersonal difficulties. Ms. A’s narrative suggested that obtaining informal support helps one to become integrated into the community and to adapt to the environmental changes. Thus, support providers should not only link the affected person(s) to social resources, but should also help her (them) to acquire informal relationships that lead to (their) empowerment.