The life experiences of women ex-offenders of domestic violence

The purpose of this study was to examine the life experiences of women ex-offenders in treatment programs for domestic violence. This study provided this population the opportunity to tell their stories, their perspectives about domestic violence, their concerns, and their perceived needs, if any. The study aimed to understand women\u27s subjective experiences with domestic violence, the various forms it took, and the content to which it was expressed. Overall, the findings from this study indicated that women did not perceive mutual violence as symmetrical; the violence perpetrated by the participants towards their spouse or partner was less severe than the violence they received. Six participants were recruited from among female graduates of New Day Institute facility located in the city of Chino, California