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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The decision to stay or leave an abusive relationship is multifactorial and frequently involves
a cyclic process involving several phases. This article presents a qualitative analysis regarding the
reasons and barriers to stay or leave an abusive dating relationship, as well as the challenges that
it implies. A semi-structured, in-depth interview was used to collect data from thirteen dating
victims, aged 17–30 years and mainly female (n = 12). The emotional and affective dependence
of the partner and the belief that behaviour may change emerge as the main reasons presented by
the victims to remain in an abusive relationship. Shame, fear of losing the partner, and failure to
recognize the abusive relationship were reported as the main barriers to leave the abusive relationship,
thus making it difficult to seek help. Understanding reasons to stay in, or barriers to leave, an abusive
relationship is fundamental to promoting help-seeking behaviours in victims of dating violence
(DV), particularly in the case of young people, since it has serious implications in the developmental
pathway of this age group.
Description
Keywords
Dating Violence (DV) Victims of dating violence Young people Leave abusive relationships Stay in abusive relationships Help-seeking
Citation
Caridade, S., Pinheiro, I., & Dinis, M. A. P. (2021). Stay or leave abusive dating relationships: Portuguese victims’ reasons and barriers. In A. Jones (Ed.), Leaving a Violent Relationship (pp. 41-54). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/books978-3-0365-0423-0
Publisher
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)