Why Are They So Hard to See? Deconstructing the Earliest Warning Signs of Partner Abuse
Tracks
Ballroom 1
| Tuesday, November 28, 2023 |
| 11:55 AM - 12:15 PM |
Overview
Leanne Nunn, University Of Tasmania
Speaker
Ms Leanne Nunn
Phd Candidate
University Of Tasmania
Why Are They So Hard to See? Deconstructing the Earliest Warning Signs of Partner Abuse
Abstract
To build evidence to enhance primary prevention programs, this qualitative research project explored the earliest warning signs of intimate partner abuse (IPA). A key finding of this research is that victim-survivors saw inappropriate behaviours early in their relationships, but did not identify those behaviours as abusive.
Using a case study, this presentation will explore the challenges for women in recognising the earliest warning signs of IPA from three perspectives:
1) Coercive control – the warning signs are very subtle and can be hidden in the context of what can appear to be a wonderful relationship.
2) Feminist theory – the socialisation of women and the lifetime exposure to micro-aggressions that are imposed by the patriarchy may have a desensitising effect.
3) Psychologically – polyvagal theory identifies neuroception as a tool used to recognise danger in our environment, and yet it does not appear to be activating the alarm response for the earliest warning signs of abuse.
Weaving these theories together, current and future strategies to assist women to recognise the earliest warning signs of IPA will be considered.
Using a case study, this presentation will explore the challenges for women in recognising the earliest warning signs of IPA from three perspectives:
1) Coercive control – the warning signs are very subtle and can be hidden in the context of what can appear to be a wonderful relationship.
2) Feminist theory – the socialisation of women and the lifetime exposure to micro-aggressions that are imposed by the patriarchy may have a desensitising effect.
3) Psychologically – polyvagal theory identifies neuroception as a tool used to recognise danger in our environment, and yet it does not appear to be activating the alarm response for the earliest warning signs of abuse.
Weaving these theories together, current and future strategies to assist women to recognise the earliest warning signs of IPA will be considered.
Biography
Leanne has over twenty five years of experience as a psychologist in the clinical, management and training sectors and has her own lived experience of intimate partner abuse (IPA). She is also a PhD Candidate at the University of Tasmania focusing on the earliest warning signs of IPA. She has worked with thousands of women that have experienced IPA or childhood abuse extensively throughout her career, both individually and in groups, across private practice, hospital and community settings.
