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The Significance of Sheltering in the Lives of Four Women Affected by Abusive Relationships

Domestic violence is recognised as a pervasive problem in South Africa. This study focused on the narratives of four abused women and attempted to establish the significance of sheltering in their lives. A qualitative research design was used based on semi-structured interviews, which were analysed thematically. The findings supported past research, indicating that although the women's experiences were diverse they contained many features similar to those reported in previous studies. Each of the four women was not a passive victim, having taken the decision to leave an abusive and violent relationship. Sheltering was found to provide the protected space necessary to move beyond the abuse, and in addition provided the structure and social support necessary to start to transcend the abuse. Sheltering was found to fill gaps created by a society in transition, in which abuse and violence are often tolerated or condoned within existing social and family structures.