Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Faculty/School

Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work

First Advisor

Ginette Lafrenière

Advisor Role

Advisor

Second Advisor

Halina (Lin) Haag

Advisor Role

Advisor

Abstract

Relationships are a fundamental part of the human experience, providing a buffer against stress and helping individuals live longer, happier, and healthier lives. However, survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) who have experienced a brain injury (BI) encounter barriers to leaving violent relationships and engaging in new, non-violent connections. This qualitative research study drew from Indigenous and non-Indigenous methodologies to establish a blueprint for using storytelling in the IPV-BI population. Intersectionality theory, combined with critical disability theory, was employed as a transformative research paradigm to better analyze and explain the stories. Survivors encountered fear, trust concerns, continued violence from former partners, and chronic medical challenges inflicted during the violent relationship. Past research highlights that the individual challenges of IPV and BI for survivors are magnified when the two intersect; therefore, IPV-BI should be considered as its own unique and new identity. This study demonstrates that social supports are vital to leaving violent relationships and are integral in rebuilding a survivor’s romantic and non-romantic life after violence. Unfortunately, the study also highlights that current institutional policies and practices are not supportive of survivors, but survivors nevertheless engaged in thriving relationships post-violence. As a powerful counter-silencing tool, this research provided space for survivors’ stories to be heard, and it contributes to the IPV-BI literature by exploring how survivors engage in new relationships post-violence. As essential knowledge for researchers, policymakers, frontline staff, and the community at large, this study improves our understanding of how survivors engage in relationships post-violence, and augments support strategies using a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach. Moving forward, this research offers an alternative narrative that allows for the possibility of thriving connections and a sense of hope for survivors who are afraid to engage in new relationships.

Convocation Year

2025

Convocation Season

Spring

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