“You Just Wanna Suppress It or Let It Go": Storytelling, Re- traumatization, and Healing in IPV Research with Immigrant Women

This article explores the emotional and psychological complexities of retelling intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences among immigrant women, with a focus on the dual potential for re-traumatization and healing.While recounting abuse can reopen emotional wounds, it can also serve as a catalyst for advocacy, solidarity, and personal growth.By shedding light on the transformative power of storytelling, this article aims to illuminate the paths of courage, resilience, and hope, while recommending the integration of positive psychology into health, social work, and educational research and training with immigrant women in IPV relationships.Methods: Twenty-seven immigrant women from The Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East were recruited through community-based organizations, social media, flyers, and a snowball approach.Semi-structured interviews of sixty to ninety minutes were conducted in English and Arabic Languages to explore the perceptions of racialized women on retelling their abuse experiences in their intimate relationships.Using MAXQDA software and thematic analysis, data was analyzed with bioecological and intersectionality theoretical perspectives.Result: The study reveals a spectrum of responses -some participants found storytelling therapeutic and empowering, while others experienced emotional distress, flashbacks, and physical discomfort.