ABSTRACT
It is proposed that traditional victimological perspectives tend to pathologize victims of gendered-violence and thus render the ‘choices’ they make irrational, if not delusional. The consequence has been the development of an essentialist solution to the problem of domestic violence; a solution that appears to be rejected by many victims. In order to reinstate the credibility of the victim, a positive victimological perspective is adopted, which sees the commitment many victims of DV demonstrate to maintaining their relationship as a strength; rather than a psychological impediment. It is argued that restorative justice might be a suitable option that could assist some victims to change their relationship from within; that is to remain with their partner in a violence-free and fulfilling relationship.
