THE EXPERIENCES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE VICTIMS IN A TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL-BASED EDUCATION AND COUNSELING PROGRAM: TWO FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Abstract

This study draws the framework for an analysis of the changes experienced by female intimate partner violence victims after participating in a transtheoretical model-based education and counseling program. An effort was made to determine the situation of women in the face of intimate partner violence following the administration of an education and counseling program. Based on the theoretical framework, 8 women who were victims of intimate partner violence engaged in discussions in two separate (4+4) focus groups. All the focus group discussions were recorded and then transcribed, after which the data collected were analyzed using the techniques of thematic analysis and discourse analysis. It was seen that the women’s behavior and experiences after the education were affected by the various elements of the model, namely, the stages of change in the relationship, decisions about avoiding intimate partner violence, self-efficacy, cognitive processes, and behavioral processes. In summary, nurses can make use of exemplary education and counseling models in institutions and organizations to which victims of violence apply.