Entrapment, Escape, and Elevation from Relationship Violence

How does experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) affect one’s identity, in terms of self-concept and self-esteem? In this Element, the authors propose a novel framework called the E3 Model in which relevant theory and research studies can be organized into three phases: Entrapment, Escape, and Elevation. Entrapment focuses on how people enter and commit to a relationship that later becomes abusive and how experiencing IPV affects the self. Escape explores how victims become survivors as they slowly build the resources needed to leave safely, including galvanizing self-esteem. Finally, Elevation centers on how survivors psychologically rebuild from their experience and become stronger, happier, more hopeful selves. This Element concludes with a discussion of applications of the E3 Model, such as public and legal policy regarding how to best help and support survivors.