This study examined lived experiences of coping with physically violent common-law or marital relationships for women 19 to 24 years old. Information was collected from five women through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Moustakas' transcendental phenomenological approach. Findings revealed that young women reduced stress, engaged in a variety of cognitive strategies, used communication with partners, managed violence, escaped, disclosed or hid evidence of abuse and violence from other people, were supported and hindered from family and friends, and relied on strangers and acquaintances. Findings indicate young women's coping was not about healthy or unhealthy strategies. Whether she remained in the relationship, tried to change dynamics, or left her partner, coping was an attempt to retain personal power and control. Findings highlight the importance of studying both how young women cope and their motivations for coping with abuse and violence. Implications for counsellor education, professional practice, and future research are discussed. --P.ii.
