This chapter discusses an oral history study of women and men who experienced long-term violence in childhood and/or adolescence. It also explores the characteristics of resiliency. The author posits that this method of exploration recognises the importance of individual experience. Eleven women and 5 men, ranging from their early thirties to mid-seventies, participated in interviews. The oral history itself played an important part in developing and confirming resilience. Beliefs, links to ancestry or significant others who had been influential in the respondents life, also contributed to resiliency. Other factors included self forgiveness, telling someone else, and the perception of seeing themselves as a survivor and not a victim. The author noted there were determined efforts throughout the oral histories to alter perceived failings and correct patterns of behaviour.

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In A. Green & M. Hutching (Eds.)., Remembering : Writing oral history