Lived Experiences of Protection Orders among Women Survivors of Domestic Violence

Abstract

This study examines women's experiences with domestic violence and receiving a protection order based on fourteen semi-structured interviews with women survivors in Turkiye. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women survivors who obtained protection orders in Turkiye. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used. The phenomenological analysis revealed two major themes: (a) silence with being blamed and (b) the process of protection orders. While women were able to identify the reasons for violence, such as their partners' anger and tolerance of violence, they mostly only used the protection order when the level of violence and abuse was unbearable and life-threatening. We discuss how women can protect themselves before their lives become threatening. This study suggests that policymakers and human services should consider protecting women survivors' well-being both during and after receiving protection orders.