Research into children and domestic violence in recent years has emphasized the importance of giving positive support to a non-abusive parent for effective child protection. But what exactly does positive support involve?Based on findings from six primary research studies carried out by the authors themselves, as well as other published research, this book reveals how undermining mothering specifically, family courts and social work agencies blaming mothers for their own victimization plays a key role in locking women into abusive relationships and exacerbating the damage done by domestic violence. It explores the principle message drawn from the research: that the needs of individual victims should inform risk assessment and safety planning by welfare practitioners. Case studies are used to explore key issues that should be considered during assessment and planning, such as the psychological impact on children of living in an abusive household; mother and child protection from an abusive partner during court proceedings; and child contact with an abusive parent.Mothering Through Domestic Violence is essential reading for practitioners working in the fields of family and child welfare, family courts and policy makers.
Contents: Acknowldegements. 1. Introduction. 2. Walking on Eggshells - Mothering Through Domestic Violence. 3. Resisting Mother Blaming. 4. Domestic Violence and the Maltreatment of Children. 5. Children Living with Domestic Violence - Impacts and Resilience. 6. Re-asserting Power and Control in Child Visitation and Contact. 7. Mother Blaming in the Courts 8. Improving Safety for Women and Children after Separation. 9. From Blaming Mothers to Providing Positive Support - The Role of Welfare Agencies. 10. Conclusion - Linking the Three Planets. References. Subject Index. Author Index.
This volume is addition to a number of books from this publisher that consider domestic violence. Six studies in all are considered, centred on different aspects of domestic violence, child abuse and child contact with their (violent) fathers. It is very useful to have the findings of these studies provided collectively in one volume, together with an examination of the major themes from the studies and how these inter-relate.
The structure of the book and its chapters mean the text is accessible and easy-to-read, while the use of quotations and case studies is helpful. The key message, that individual needs (of women and children) should form the basis of risk assessment and safety planning, is well covered. There is also welcome evidence of the factors that can assist in supporting mothers and their children, plus useful suggestions about how social workers and other practitioners might be able to provide useful assistance.
