Let Our Voices Be Heard: Qualitative Analysis of an Internet Discussion Board

ABSTRACT

This article addresses an online discussion board referencing a domestic violence related murder trial. Findings from qualitative analyses based on narrative and grounded theory suggest that online discussion boards can help survivors of domestic violence to tell their stories and support each other. The perceived anonymity of Internet discussion boards appears to offer a safe place for survivors to co-construct narratives of their experiences with abusive relationships. The following themes were delineated and discussed: “It is difficult to leave,” “nobody helps battered women,” and “thoughts of killing the abuser.” Implications for therapeutic settings are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Domestic violence
• personal narrative
• Internet
• online discussion board
• qualitative research
• battered women
• abuse
• creativity