The lived experience of African American women who have left an abusive male partner

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the lived experience of African American women who have left an abusive male partner. The researcher interviewed three women regarding their experience of leaving an abusive partner. The interviews then were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's method of analysis, supplemented by Haase's adaptation of Colaizzi's method. The six theme categories identified provide a compelling view of the experience of leaving an abusive male partner. The theme categories are: Living the Nightmare, Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde, The Path to Leaving, Reaching for Others, It's Over Now, and Dear God. ·The essence of leaving an abusive partner includes remembering the abuse that occured, desiring a person for support, and turning to God as a source of strength when leaving.