Mothers who have left an abusive relationship : the effect of their participation in a parenting support group

Abuse of women in intimate relationships has gained international recognition as an important social phenomenon which has significant physical and psychological implications for those exposed to it (Heise, Pitanguy, & Germain, 1994). History has repeatedly shown that abuse does not end with separation or divorce but, rather, often increases at these times. This reality, in combination with the deleterious effects of the physical and emotional abuse within the relationship, affects the abused woman's ability to cope with the challenges faced when she leaves the abusive relationship. One of these challenges is to parent the children she may have. The role of mothering is of primary importance to these women. However, the competing issues associated with the abusive relationship and establishing a new life away from the abuser often leaves the women unprepared for the role of a single parent. One intervention that is available to assist women during this period in their lives is a parenting support group. A research study was initiated to evaluate the effect of one particular parenting support group on mothers who had left an abusive relationship. The methodology of this study was guided by a feminist perspective. Data collection involved the use of focus groups. Participants were drawn from a pool of 16 women subjects who had participated in the parenting support group program. Participants were divided into two focus group sessions. Giorgi's (1975) four stage method of phenomenological analysis was used to analyze the data. The findings of this study showed that women valued the parenting support group intervention and utilized the insight and skills they gained to move forward in their lives. The description of their experiences resulted in the development of four themes: 1) CONNECTION; 2) CONFIDENCE; 3) REFRAMING; and, 4) SELF-EFFICACY. The areas within these themes warranting further discussion were highlighted, and the implications for nursing in terms of practice, education and research were identified.Applied Science, Faculty ofNursing, School ofGraduat