The lived experiences of intimate partner violence among African American/Black women

ABSTRACT JENNIFER LEWIS JOHNSON THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AMONG AFRICAN AMERICAN/BLACK WOMEN MAY 2021 Reported as one of the primary causes of injuries to women, intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated against women presents a major public health quandary in the United States (CDC, 2015). Despite the copious research concerning IPV and why women stay or leave abusive relationships, studies regarding African American/Black women’s lived experiences and IPV are dearth, suggesting the need for conducting this study. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 participants. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain an understanding their lived experiences as survivors of IPV. Social Learning theory provided the theoretical framework for this study. Findings resulted in five major themes related to the lived experiences of study participants including: (1) growing up in a family environment where abuse was present, (2) having IPV in first intimate relationship, (3) emotional/psychological abuse, (4) faith, prayer, and coping with violence in the relationship, and (5) ending the relationship. Recommendations are to develop more culturally tailored programs to address IPV in the African American community. The findings of the study added to the existing literature in understanding the experiences of African American/Black women lived experiences of IPV during their lifetime.