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Experiences and Perceptions of Abused Turkish Women Regarding Violence Against Women

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Abstract

This study qualitatively explored abused Turkish women’s experiences and perceptions regarding violence against women. The research sample comprised 30 women who were seen by the police and referred to the Family Counseling Center between 2 October 2012 and 30 August 2013 due to domestic violence. Study data were collected using a Demographic Information Datasheet and a Semi-Structured Interview Form. Qualitative data were gathered using face-to-face interviews, which were transcribed verbatim then analyzed and interpreted to determine themes using the conceptual framework. Qualitative analysis yielded five themes: (1) being subjected to all types of violence; (2) everything is an excuse for violence; (3) forgetting what it is like to be a woman; (4) having to continue the marriage against her will; (5) being forced to do some things involuntarily in order to reduce the violence. In the light of these results, it seems that multidisciplinary approaches are required in order to support women both psychologically and socially. Women need to be supported in order to determine their mental health problems and to get the required medical assistance.

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Acknowledgements

The study is based on the author’s doctoral dissertation. The authors would like to thank all study participants for participating in the study. Also the authors thank M. Önder Temel, Yeliz Tiryaki Göksu for their contribution in preparing the environment where the sessions were held and the conduct of research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Giresun University, 28340, Piraziz, Giresun, Turkey

    Emel Bahadir-Yilmaz

  2. Department of Nursing, Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus

    Fatma Oz

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  1. Emel Bahadir-Yilmaz
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Correspondence to Emel Bahadir-Yilmaz.

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Bahadir-Yilmaz, E., Oz, F. Experiences and Perceptions of Abused Turkish Women Regarding Violence Against Women. Community Ment Health J 55, 686–692 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-018-0350-9

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