The Unexpected Shape of Partner Violence : What is expected is not necessarily what is

Abstract: During winter 2014 Mid Sweden University Sundsvall started a research project that aims to gain a deeper understanding around factors that lead up to how survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) break away from the abuse and aspire to create a new life for themselves, which this study is a part of. Intimate partner violence exists, this much is well known, and the concept of domestic violence continues to be examined with emphasis on different aspects and issues regarding the alarming numbers. However, few studies have examined how society treats the abused when the traditional image of the abuser and the abused differs from what is expected, such as when men are violated by women, or when the abuser holds a respected position in society, both factors that this paper wish to highlight. Semi-structured in-depth interviews have been conducted with three men and four women who have been living in violent heterosexual relationships. Findings reveal that intersections between gender norms and social power highly determine the survivor's access to assistance and support from society and authorities.