The experiences of women who survived an attempt on their lives by an intimate partner represented a wide spectrum of previous violence and control issues in the relationship
Q What are the experiences and perceptions of women who survived an attempt on their lives by an intimate partner?
DESIGN
Qualitative study done in conjunction with an 11 city case–control study.
SETTING
6 US cities (Baltimore, Maryland; Tampa, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Houston, Texas; Witchita, Kansas; and Kansas City, Missouri).
PARTICIPANTS
30 women who were 17–54 years of age (47% European American, 43% African-American, 10% Latino or other), had survived a serious attempt on their lives by a current or ex-intimate partner, and were living apart from the perpetrator in a safe environment. Each case was designated as “closed” by the police (arrest made or adjudication).
METHODS
Women participated in 30–90 minute, audiotaped, semistructured interviews about their relationship with the perpetrator, activities and events preceding the homicide attempt, the event itself, changes since the event, and interactions with helpers (eg, healthcare workers, police, and counsellors). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by thematic analysis.
MAIN FINDINGS
20 women had a history of physical or sexual abuse by the perpetrator, 5 …
