Unfortunately half of the women (n = 7), experienced domestic violence in their adult relationships. One participant was coded as both Breaking the Cycle and Repeating the Cycle as she and her husband made the conscious effort to not have their children have similar experiences like they did; however during a separation in the marriage, she did experience domestic violence with another partner, and ended the relationship. Within this category, sub-categories were created to examine if it was experienced repeatedly (n = 2), fought back (n = 2), ended the relationship (n = 2), or was the actual abuser in the relationship (n = 2). The category was equally divided with one participant who fought back, and also ended the relationship. …show more content…
The study provided us with adequate information to answer the research questions. This exploration provides insight on the lack of trust, and continual anger that exists within; but also the love and compassion that often exudes from these women, as they ensure their own children or others are cared for. A commitment of nonviolence is seen in women who openly share love to prevent anyone from having a similar experience to them. Additionally, contextual factors such as the inability to address domestic violence may lead to anger and lack of trust, which can be barriers in developing healthy relationships for ADAW. Relationship outcomes of ADAW, illustrates the vulnerability that continues to exist for some versus the resilience to break the cycle for their children and in intimate partner relationships for others. The ability of recognizing domestic violence, communicating about it, and forming positive relationships that break the cycle seems to explain why some Cherokee ADAW have better psychosocial outcomes than others exposed to the same violence. Future analysis on the possible correlation of interpersonal escapes or challenges provides acuity, which may lead to interventions to decrease