“It Hurts” : A qualitative interview study about women’s experiences of mental paindue to violence in close relationships

This qualitative study is based on interviews about womens experiences of mental pain due to violence in close relationships. Men’s violence against women in close partner relationships is a major societal problem today not only in Sweden but also worldwide. The most common violence that occurs are the ones at home which makes it a hidden problem. Therefore the lack of knowledge about the subject makes it difficult to prevent it from happening. The purpose of this essay was to study women's experiences of violence in close relationships and how they feel that they have been affected by the psychological pain that has arisen as a result of violence in close relationships or harassment that they have experienced. The violence can be psychological, physical and sexual and the abuser successively takes control over the women and her life. A qualitative study was conducted with a thematic analysis and interview guide where women had been in contact with different women’s shelter. The results showed that we need to work further with violence and include preventioned work