Change begins with me. Research question: Why African-American women leave or stay in abusive relationships. Seven exploratory case studies: The stories and conclusions

This study explores the reasons African-American women leave or stay in abusive relationships and the commonalities that direct their decisions. Although studies have been conducted on Black family violence, limited previous studies focused solely on African-American women and domestic abuse or violence in conjugal relationships. The study was designed to document and reflect on the stories of seven African American women who experienced abuse or violence in their intimate relationships; it is just a sampling of the many women who have left or stayed in an abusive relationship. Semi-structured taped interviews, using open ended questions, beginning with a pilot interview, were conducted to ensure that the data elicited from the interviews would be appropriate for the study. The women who participated in this study ranged in age from 31 to 55 years; Six of the seven women who participated in the study have left their abusive partners. The women described the types of abuse and violence they experienced in their relationships and recounted how their decision to leave or stay in the abusive relationship was formed. Applicable responses were analyzed for common threads; and, coupled with an analysis of the myths and stereotypes that are associated with African-American women, culminated in the results. The conclusions identified accepting behaviors which emulate the behaviors of female adult role models and a lack of self-sufficiency. The music intrinsic to this population was also identified as an influencing factor. There is still much work to be done. Educating and empowering African-American women will enhance their self-esteem and awareness and their perception of what constitutes an abusive behavior. This grounding will begin the process of eradicating their dependency on an abusive partner.