The evolution of the social network of women victims of domestic violence

Abstract

This article, based on the concept of relational autonomy defined as the freedom to choose between a diverse array of options, analyzes the evolution of a social network of women victims of domestic violence. Individual interviews were completed with 30 women and four stages in the development of social network were observed : Violent relationship, break-up, shelter interventions, and post-shelter life. Network data was analyzed according to measures of constraints and dyadic constraints, which made it possible to identify the extent to which women are embedded in their social network and/or in relationships with specific actors. The constraints women face diminish at the time of break-up and as they enter a shelter and then increase after they exit the shelter. Close relationships, which were mainly negative or mixed during the stages of violent relationship and breakup, became increasingly positive during and after shelter life. The implications of these results for intervention and research are discussed.