Writing and healing: poetry as a tool in leaving and recovering from abusive relationships

ABSTRACT

This paper includes research into the pervasiveness and dangerousness of intimate partner violence and the ways that poetry therapy can be used to help victims gain perspective on their situation. According to the World Health Organization, over 30 percent of women worldwide have experienced violence at the hands of a partner. The author's personal experience with poetry therapy in leaving an abusive relationship of 13 years is used as an example.

KEYWORDS:

• Intimate partner violence
• poetry therapy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.