Wounds That Heal: A Photovoice Study of Post-Traumatic Growth Among Women Survivors of Domestic Violence Following Divorce
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Eduardus Julio Angga Huky(1*)
University of Nusa Cendana
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M. K. P. Abdi Keraf(2)
University of Nusa Cendana
-
Rizky Pradita Manafe(3)
University of Nusa Cendana
-
Yeni Damayanti(4)
University of Nusa Cendana
(*) Corresponding Author
Keywords:
Divorce, Domestic violence, Photovoice, Post-traumatic growth
Abstract
Introduction Domestic Violence has become a widespread issue in society, including Kupang City, with women being the primary victims. Incidents of domestic violence have both physical and psychological impacts on victims, resulting in traumatic experiences. Some women who experience domestic violence choose to divorce. Although research generally reports negative psychological adjustment among female survivors after divorce due to domestic violence, survivors may also demonstrate positive changes in their lives following the crisis caused by trauma.
Aim This study explores the forms and processes of Post-Traumatic Growth among divorced female survivors of domestic violence in the city of Kupang.
Result Thematic analysis identified five major themes: the dynamics of divorce, self-reflection, the strength to survive, rising from adversity, and making peace with life's circumstances.
Conclusion The findings indicate that although the survivors experienced traumatic events, there remained opportunities for positive personal growth through a process of self-reflection, ultimately leading to acceptance of the life circumstances they faced after divorcing due to domestic violence.
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References
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Cifci, S., & Acik, Y. (2022). Causes of Domestic Violence Against Women. Artuklu International Journal of Health Sciences, 2(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.29228/aijhs.15
Davies, N., Crowe, M., & Whitehead, L. (2016). Establishing routines to cope with the loneliness associated with widowhood: a narrative analysis. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 23(8), 532–539. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12339
Dell’osso, L., Lorenzi, P., Nardi, B., Carmassi, C., & Carpita, B. (2022). Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) inThe Frame of Traumatic Experiences. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 19(6), 390–393. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220606
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Hing, N., O’mullan, C., Mainey, L., Nuske, E., Breen, H., & Taylor, A. (2021). Impacts of Male Intimate Partner Violence on Women: A Life Course Perspective. Public Health, 18, 8303. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph
Hulley, J., Wager, K., Gomersall, T., Bailey, L., Kirkman, G., Gibbs, G., & Jones, A. D. (2023). Continuous Traumatic Stress: Examining the Experiences and Support Needs of Women After Separation From an Abusive Partner. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(9–10), 6275–6297. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221132776
Jayawickreme, E., Infurna, F. J., Alajak, K., Blackie, L. E. R., Chopik, W. J., Chung, J. M., Dorfman, A., Fleeson, W., Forgeard, M. J. C., Frazier, P., Furr, R. M., Grossmann, I., Heller, A. S., Laceulle, O. M., Lucas, R. E., Luhmann, M., Luong, G., Meijer, L., McLean, K. C., … Zonneveld, R. (2021). Post-traumatic growth as positive personality change: Challenges, opportunities, and recommendations. Journal of Personality, 89(1), 145–165. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12591
Kartika, S. D., Daulay, H., & Manurung, R. (2025). Gugatan Cerai Sebagai Strategi Perlawanan Perempuan Korban KDRT di Medan, Binjai dan Deli Serdang. Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Dan Ilmu Politik Malikussaleh (JSPM), 6(2), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.29103/jspm.v6i2.21793
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Massuaanna, M. W. (2024). Dampak Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga Pada Keluarga. Jurnal Sosialisasi: Jurnal Hasil Pemikiran, Penelitian, Dan Pengembangan Keilmuan Sosiologi Pendidikan, 11, 221–230. https://ojs.unm.ac.id/sosialisasi/article/view/67979
Neetu Choudhary, Murarkar, S. K., & Deshmukh, R. (2024). Reasons and types of domestic violence against married women: a community based cross sectional study in urban slums of Pune, India. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 11(9), 3588–3594. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242563
Paulino, M. (2017). Chapter 11 - Domestic Violence: Psychological Issues Related to the Victim and Offender. In W. Petherick & G. Sinnamon (Eds.), The Psychology of Criminal and Antisocial Behavior (pp. 343–359). Academic Press. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809287-3.00011-0
Rahmaningsih, N. D., & Retnowati, S. (2019). Meningkatkan Posttraumatic Growth pada Korban Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga melalui Breif Empathic Love Therapya melalui Breif Empathic Love Therapy. Universitas Gadjha Mada.
Ravelo, Y., Marrero, H., Alegre de la Rosa, O. M., & Gonzalez-Mendez, R. (2024). Affect and post-traumatic growth in previously bullied students: Intrusive and deliberate rumination as mediators. Personality and Individual Differences, 231, 112822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112822
Sharma, B. (2011). Mental and emotional impact of divorce on women. Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, 37, 125–131.
Shorey, S., Chua, C. M. S., Chan, V., & Chee, C. Y. I. (2023). Women living with domestic violence: Ecological framework-guided qualitative systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 71, 101835. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2023.101835
Singla, P. (2025). Domestic Violence Against Women and Its Types, Causes, Effects and Remedies. Social Science Research Network: SSRC. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5447355
Siregar, W. Z. B. (2024). Causes and impacts of domestic violence against women: Cases in Indonesia. Jurnal Sosiologi Dialektika, 77–88. https://doi.org/10.20473/jsd.v19i12024.77-88
Sooai, M. Y., Imanuel Benafa, Y., Lince Aleng, Y., & Mega, M. K. (2025). Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga dan Femisida: Analisis Hukum Terhadap Perlindungan Korban dan Penegakan Hukum di Nusa Tenggara Timur. Jurnal Cendekia Ilmiah, 4(2).
Suriyati. (2024). Psychological Dynamics of Domestic Violence Victims: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Indonesian Scholars for Social Research Copyright, 4(2), 94–99.
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli1501_01
Tedeschi, R. G., Moore, B. A., & Greene, T. C. (2025). Posttraumatic Growth as a Pathway to Wellness for Individuals and Organizations. In Behavioral Sciences (Vol. 15, Number 12). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15121653
Turyahebwa, J. (2023). The Forms and Causes of Domestic Violence as Depicted in The Burdens and Black Mamba by John Ruganda. East African Journal of Education Studies, 6(1), 65–77. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.6.1.1065
Wang, C., & Burris, M. A. (1997). Photovoice: Concept, Methodology, and Use for Participatory Needs Assessment. Health Education and Behavior, 24(3), 369–387. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019819702400309
Winkel, C., McNally, B., & Omari, R. Al. (2023). Finding Strength in Times of Crisis? Post-Traumatic Growth During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Saudi Arabian Perspective. Illness Crisis and Loss, 31(3), 592–607. https://doi.org/10.1177/10541373221105815
Asiyah, S. nur, & Amalia, R. (2020). Post Traumatic Growth pada Wanita yang Bercerai. Indonesian Psychological Research, 2(1), 22–28. https://doi.org/10.29080/ipr.v2i1.218
Barbas Marques Pereira, B., & Nunes da Silva, A. C. (2025). Trajectories of spontaneous trauma recovery. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 9(3), 100573. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2025.100573
Bokore, N. (2026). The Development of Post-Traumatic Growth (pp. 43–56). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-06835-4_4
BPS. (2025). Nikah dan Cerai Menurut Kabupaten/Kota (kejadian) di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur, 2024. Ntt.Bps.Go.Id. https://ntt.bps.go.id/en/statistics-table/3/VkhwVUszTXJPVmQ2ZFRKamNIZG9RMVo2VEdsbVVUMDkjMw==/nikah-dan-cerai-menurut-kabupaten-kota--kejadian--di-provinsi-nusa-tenggara-timur--2024.html?year=2024
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Bryngeirsdottir, H. S., & Halldorsdottir, S. (2022). The challenging journey from trauma to post-traumatic growth: Lived experiences of facilitating and hindering factors. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 36(3), 752–768. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.13037
Cifci, S., & Acik, Y. (2022). Causes of Domestic Violence Against Women. Artuklu International Journal of Health Sciences, 2(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.29228/aijhs.15
Davies, N., Crowe, M., & Whitehead, L. (2016). Establishing routines to cope with the loneliness associated with widowhood: a narrative analysis. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 23(8), 532–539. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12339
Dell’osso, L., Lorenzi, P., Nardi, B., Carmassi, C., & Carpita, B. (2022). Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) inThe Frame of Traumatic Experiences. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 19(6), 390–393. https://doi.org/10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220606
Farizka, Z., & Uasni, A. H. (2019). Posttraumatic Growth Pada Korban Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga. 7(1), 1–12.
Fauzia Latief, Mutia CH. Thalib, & Suwitno Yutye Imran. (2024). Perceraian Akibat Kekerasan Dalam Rumah Tangga di Pengadilan Agama Gorontalo. Aliansi: Jurnal Hukum, Pendidikan Dan Sosial Humaniora, 1(3), 239–252. https://doi.org/10.62383/aliansi.v1i3.220
Guggisberg, M., Bottino, S., & Doran, C. M. (2021). Women’s Contexts and Circumstances of Posttraumatic Growth After Sexual Victimization: A Systematic Review. In Frontiers in Psychology (Vol. 12). Frontiers Media SA. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699288
Haikal, M., & Latipun, L. (2020). The Resilience of Women Who Are Divorced and Choose to Live with Their Children. Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 9(4), 44. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pbs.20200904.12
Hamamra, B., Mahamid, F., & Bdier, D. (2025). Verbal violence and its psychological and social dimensions in intimate and familial relationships. Discover Mental Health, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-025-00270-x
Hing, N., O’mullan, C., Mainey, L., Nuske, E., Breen, H., & Taylor, A. (2021). Impacts of Male Intimate Partner Violence on Women: A Life Course Perspective. Public Health, 18, 8303. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph
Hulley, J., Wager, K., Gomersall, T., Bailey, L., Kirkman, G., Gibbs, G., & Jones, A. D. (2023). Continuous Traumatic Stress: Examining the Experiences and Support Needs of Women After Separation From an Abusive Partner. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(9–10), 6275–6297. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221132776
Jayawickreme, E., Infurna, F. J., Alajak, K., Blackie, L. E. R., Chopik, W. J., Chung, J. M., Dorfman, A., Fleeson, W., Forgeard, M. J. C., Frazier, P., Furr, R. M., Grossmann, I., Heller, A. S., Laceulle, O. M., Lucas, R. E., Luhmann, M., Luong, G., Meijer, L., McLean, K. C., … Zonneveld, R. (2021). Post-traumatic growth as positive personality change: Challenges, opportunities, and recommendations. Journal of Personality, 89(1), 145–165. https://doi.org/10.1111/jopy.12591
Kartika, S. D., Daulay, H., & Manurung, R. (2025). Gugatan Cerai Sebagai Strategi Perlawanan Perempuan Korban KDRT di Medan, Binjai dan Deli Serdang. Jurnal Ilmu Sosial Dan Ilmu Politik Malikussaleh (JSPM), 6(2), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.29103/jspm.v6i2.21793
KemenPPPA. (2025). Kekerasan. Kemenpppa.Go.Id. https://kekerasan.kemenpppa.go.id/ringkasan
Klein, W., Wood, S., Forget, A.-A., & Bartz, J. A. (2026). A historical review of gaslighting: Tracing changing conceptualizations within psychiatry and psychology. Clinical Psychology Review, 126, 102742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2026.102742
Lodja, I. (2026). LBH APIK: Tahun 2025 Didominasi Kasus Perceraian. www.katantt.com. https://www.katantt.com/artikel/52769/lbh-apik-tahun-2025-didominasi-kasus-perceraian/#google_vignette
Massuaanna, M. W. (2024). Dampak Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga Pada Keluarga. Jurnal Sosialisasi: Jurnal Hasil Pemikiran, Penelitian, Dan Pengembangan Keilmuan Sosiologi Pendidikan, 11, 221–230. https://ojs.unm.ac.id/sosialisasi/article/view/67979
Neetu Choudhary, Murarkar, S. K., & Deshmukh, R. (2024). Reasons and types of domestic violence against married women: a community based cross sectional study in urban slums of Pune, India. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 11(9), 3588–3594. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20242563
Paulino, M. (2017). Chapter 11 - Domestic Violence: Psychological Issues Related to the Victim and Offender. In W. Petherick & G. Sinnamon (Eds.), The Psychology of Criminal and Antisocial Behavior (pp. 343–359). Academic Press. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809287-3.00011-0
Rahmaningsih, N. D., & Retnowati, S. (2019). Meningkatkan Posttraumatic Growth pada Korban Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga melalui Breif Empathic Love Therapya melalui Breif Empathic Love Therapy. Universitas Gadjha Mada.
Ravelo, Y., Marrero, H., Alegre de la Rosa, O. M., & Gonzalez-Mendez, R. (2024). Affect and post-traumatic growth in previously bullied students: Intrusive and deliberate rumination as mediators. Personality and Individual Differences, 231, 112822. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112822
Sharma, B. (2011). Mental and emotional impact of divorce on women. Journal of the Indian Academy of Applied Psychology, 37, 125–131.
Shorey, S., Chua, C. M. S., Chan, V., & Chee, C. Y. I. (2023). Women living with domestic violence: Ecological framework-guided qualitative systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 71, 101835. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2023.101835
Singla, P. (2025). Domestic Violence Against Women and Its Types, Causes, Effects and Remedies. Social Science Research Network: SSRC. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5447355
Siregar, W. Z. B. (2024). Causes and impacts of domestic violence against women: Cases in Indonesia. Jurnal Sosiologi Dialektika, 77–88. https://doi.org/10.20473/jsd.v19i12024.77-88
Sooai, M. Y., Imanuel Benafa, Y., Lince Aleng, Y., & Mega, M. K. (2025). Kekerasan dalam Rumah Tangga dan Femisida: Analisis Hukum Terhadap Perlindungan Korban dan Penegakan Hukum di Nusa Tenggara Timur. Jurnal Cendekia Ilmiah, 4(2).
Suriyati. (2024). Psychological Dynamics of Domestic Violence Victims: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Indonesian Scholars for Social Research Copyright, 4(2), 94–99.
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli1501_01
Tedeschi, R. G., Moore, B. A., & Greene, T. C. (2025). Posttraumatic Growth as a Pathway to Wellness for Individuals and Organizations. In Behavioral Sciences (Vol. 15, Number 12). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15121653
Turyahebwa, J. (2023). The Forms and Causes of Domestic Violence as Depicted in The Burdens and Black Mamba by John Ruganda. East African Journal of Education Studies, 6(1), 65–77. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajes.6.1.1065
Wang, C., & Burris, M. A. (1997). Photovoice: Concept, Methodology, and Use for Participatory Needs Assessment. Health Education and Behavior, 24(3), 369–387. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019819702400309
Winkel, C., McNally, B., & Omari, R. Al. (2023). Finding Strength in Times of Crisis? Post-Traumatic Growth During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Saudi Arabian Perspective. Illness Crisis and Loss, 31(3), 592–607. https://doi.org/10.1177/10541373221105815
Published
2026-07-25
How to Cite
Huky, E., Keraf, M. K. P., Manafe, R., & Damayanti, Y. (2026). Wounds That Heal: A Photovoice Study of Post-Traumatic Growth Among Women Survivors of Domestic Violence Following Divorce. Journal of Health and Behavioral Science, 8(2), 201-227. https://doi.org/10.35508/jhbs.v8i2.29077
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Articles
Copyright (c) 2026 Eduardus Julio Angga Huky, M. K. P. Abdi Keraf, Rizky Pradita Manafe, Yeni Damayanti
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