Intimate partner violence is one of the most common forms of violence and can have numerous psychological, social, and emotional consequences for victims. Traumatic experiences often affect a person’s sense of safety, trust, self-esteem, and control over their own life. Nevertheless, contemporary research indicates that trauma does not necessarily lead only to negative consequences; rather, it can also trigger a process of positive psychological change in an individual, known as post-traumatic growth. This includes positive changes in interpersonal relationships, the perception of new possibilities in life, greater personal strength, spiritual or existential changes, and a greater appreciation for life (Tedeschi and Calhoun, 1996). This master’s thesis focuses on the experiences of women who have experienced violence in an intimate partner relationship and who have demonstrated post-traumatic growth following their traumatic experience. The aim of the research was to explore how women describe the recovery process following violence, which personal, social, and institutional factors are significant in this process, and what role professional institutions, particularly social work centers, play in supporting women on their path to recovery. Special attention is also given to the question of which changes in systemic and professional approaches could contribute to more effective support for women who have experienced violence. In the theoretical section, I define intimate partner violence, its consequences, and the specific nature of the trauma; I present the concept of post-traumatic growth and the factors that can influence its development. I also examine the role of professional institutions and social work centers in working with women who have experienced violence, as well as the importance of professional support in the recovery process. In the empirical part of the study, I conducted qualitative research using semi-structured interviews. I interviewed six women who had experienced intimate partner violence and for whom at least six months had passed since the experience of violence. I was interested in how they themselves experience the process of recovery and post-traumatic growth, which factors helped them in this process, and how they evaluate the support provided by professional institutions. I analyzed the data using open and axial coding procedures.
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