Staying Amid Struggle: Understanding Women’s Decisions to Remain in Abusive Marriages and Counselling Pathways to Empowerment

Intimate partner violence (IPV), a prevalent issue within marriages, can significantly disrupt the stability of the union and the well-being of the victim. This study delves into the experiences of women within the Malaysian context, who, despite being victims of intimate partner violence, choose to endure their unhappy marriages. The study’s objective is to examine the experiences of intimate partner violence, the triggers that set it off, and the factors that contribute to women’s decision to remain in abusive marriages. The study employs a qualitative approach, using a phenomenological design to delve deeper into the experiences of six Malay women who are intimate partner victims. The data was analysed using thematic analysis to present the study’s findings, which are crucial for understanding and addressing this complex issue. The results indicate that the triggers of violence were often rooted in financial tensions and child-related stressors. The types of domestic violence experienced by the study respondents encompassed various forms of physical aggression, such as slapping, hitting, and kicking, as well as psychological and emotional abuse, including verbal insults, threats, and controlling behaviour. The respondents’ reluctance to leave these problematic marriages is influenced by their desire for their children to have both parents, their own experience of parental divorce, financial instability, family influence, social expectations, and the hope that their partners will change. In the final discussion, the pivotal role of counsellors in assisting women who face domestic violence issues but have not divorced will also be discussed, offering a ray of hope in these challenging situations.