title: The dynamics of leaving and recovering from an abusive relationship.
abstract: The process of leaving an abusive relationship involves repeated attempts at leaving and returning and is influenced by a number of individual characteristics and contextual factors. Leaving is an initial step in recovering from an abusive relationship, a process that also includes struggling for survival, grieving, and searching for the meaning of the experience. Nurses must recognize that recovering from an abusive relationship can be a lifelong process, and health care providers have unique opportunities to support a woman's recovery.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Program, University of Washington, Tacoma 98402-3100, USA.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Landenburger
mesh_terms: D018585:Battered Women; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009729:Nursing; D013179:Spouse Abuse; D014861:Washington; D016387:Women's Health