Reclaiming Agency: a Community-Based Model for Women Overcoming Intimate Partner Violence

Purpose: Although shelters represent a primary instrument for governmental intervention in the worldwide endeavor to aid women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), an alternative approach to assist such women involves establishing community-based programs. In this qualitative study, we examined an Israeli pilot of a community-based program offering professional support to women survivors of IPV, using an empowerment model. Questions regarding whether and how the program helped the participants leave the cycle of violence, and whether the program met their needs, were explored. Methods: The study was based on two focus group meetings with 21 women who participated in the program and shared their experiences, four months into the program and one year after its initiation. Results: The findings resulted in the conceptualization of a five-stage model: Name, Trust, Learn, Reclaim, and Maintain. The model stages mirror the process through which the women, empowered by the intervention, regained control over their lives. Conclusions: The study offers an effective intervention that can be applied to women IPV survivors who need assistance in the community, and emphasizes the need for a variety of programs for this population in accordance with their different needs.