Narrative therapy is proposed as a possible treatment approach for wom
en who have had multiple experiences of sexual violence and abuse with
in the context of their intimate relationships. Narrative therapists e
licit discussion of unique outcomes, which are moments of strength, au
tonomy, and emotional vitality hidden in life stories that are otherwi
se saturated with suffering and oppression, to open up possibilities f
or constructing new life narratives. Examples of such unique outcomes
revealed to the author by individuals participating in a research proj
ect concerned with women's responses to sexual Violence by male intima
tes are given. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.