Men´s violence against women in intimate partner relationships : A content analysis of a number of autobiographical narratives

Men's violence against women in close relationships is an increasing societal problem that causes both psychological and physical harm to women. The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of women's experiences of men's violence in close relationships by analyzing four autobiographies. A qualitative content analysis was used as the method in the study. The research material was analyzed using two different theoretical perspectives: stigma and the process of normalization. Additionally, the analysis was based on previous research where four articles were used. The results showed that the women described similar experiences within the different themes of the research question, which were punishment, the process of normalization, the need for control and jealousy, guilt, and shame. The men used methods of punishment such as harming, controlling, and manipulating the women. The behavior was normalized over time, making it difficult for the women to leave the violent relationship. The women could become isolated and monitored, while the man's jealousy became evident. The men blamed the women for their behavior, creating feelings of guilt and shame. The results also showed that the lack of support from the surroundings made it difficult for the women to leave destructive and violent relationships