The Role of Voice in the (Re)Construction of a Battered Woman's Identity: An Autoethnography of One Woman's Experiences of Abuse

Abstract

Grounded in social constructionism, this autoethnography explores how one woman's identity was (re)constructed during her abusive relationship—first, how a subjugated identity was created during the entrapment phase, and, second, how an autonomous, self-confident sense of self emerged from the shackles of an enmeshed identity. Finally, assuming the dualistic stance of researcher and participant, the author integrates her “personal expertise” with “presentational expertise” (Foss & Foss, 1994) and offers new ways of conceptualizing and studying violent romantic relationships.