Post-Separation Contact and Domestic Violence: our 7-Point Plan for Safe[r] Contact for Children10/11/2021 James-Hanman, D., & Holt, S. (2021). Post-separation contact and domestic violence: Our 7-point plan for safe[r] contact for children. Journal of Family Violence, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-021-00256-7
Abstract The impact of living with domestic violence and abuse has been recognised in policy and law in many jurisdictions as reaching the threshold of ‘significant harm’, with children’s exposure included in definitions of abuse and neglect that require mandatory reporting, alongside an emerging recognition of coercive control as central to both the perpetration of domestic violence and abuse, and how children experience it. Far from separation providing an end to this exposure, over two decades of research on child contact arrangements highlights how it can provide legitimate opportunities for abuse to continue. While the empirical evidence demonstrates that using violence against a partner impacts on men’s ability to parent their children pre-separation, and a burgeoning knowledge base and improved professional acumen appreciates the risk to children and mothers of ongoing and escalating abuse post-separation, the international practice of the presumption of contact continues to trump this empirical evidence in the overwhelming majority of cases. This not only fails to consider the risk that domestic violence and abuse poses to child safety, but serves further to marginalise children’s safety. Motivated by our collective experience across the domains of research, policy and practice, this commentary poses some difficult questions, challenging a conversation about both the risks and benefits of contact in the context of a history of domestic violence and abuse. In no particular order, this paper outlines our seven point plan, which, based on the evidence, we believe could make a significant difference to safe(r) post-separation contact for children To download a copy of the full article: www.researchgate.net/publication/349425541_Post-Separation_Contact_and_Domestic_Violence_our_7-Point_Plan_for_Safer_Contact_for_Children
0 Comments
Cross, P. (2013). When Shared Parenting and the Safety of Women and Children Collide. Luke’s Place Support and Resource Centre
Introduction This paper explores this topic from an experience-based perspective: my work as a family law lawyer representing women who had experienced abuse and my work at the systemic level as a community researcher, educator and advocate, working with frontline workers who support women involved with family court after leaving abusive relationships. It reflects the stories and lived experiences of hundreds of women that I have encountered either directly or through their legal support workers. Read the full report here: Microsoft Word - FINAL - Shared Parenting - September 2016.docx (lukesplace.ca) A. Gonzalez, H. MacMillan, M. Tanaka, & L. Tonmyr (2020). Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(13-14), 2607-2623. DOI: 10.1177/0886260517705661 Abstract
Children exposed to intimate partner violence (CE-IPV) are at increased risk for later health and social difficulties. To date, studies have primarily focused on CE-IPV as a unitary construct; this may lead to the mistaken assumption that all subtypes of CE-IPV (i.e., exposure to direct, or indirect physical abuse, or exposure to emotional abuse) are equally harmful requiring similar responses from child welfare services. The purpose of this study was to examine child welfare responses by CE-IPV subtype in a large Canadian child welfare sample. Using data from the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2008 (N = 2, 184), we examined child welfare responses to CE-IPV subtypes or their co-occurrence. Information was obtained from child welfare workers' reports. Cases with co-occurring subtypes of CE-IPV were more likely to be substantiated and involved multiple incidents compared with that with single CE-IPV subtypes. Cases with direct physical CE-IPV and co-occurring CE-IPV were also more likely to remain open and have an application considered or made to child welfare court. Exposure to emotional IPV was the least likely to warrant intervention by welfare services, including referrals to specialized services. These results suggest that within CE-IPV subtypes, there is evidence of different responses (recommendations and service) once a case has been opened by a worker. Future research is needed to examine the effectiveness of the responses and outcomes for children following child welfare interventions. Request the full-text here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316330201_Child_Welfare_Responses_Linked_to_Subtypes_of_Exposure_to_Intimate_Partner_Violence_Evidence_From_the_Canadian_Incidence_Study_of_Reported_Child_Abuse_and_Neglect Judith Hughes & S. Chau (2012). In Critical Social Policy, 32(3), 1-19.
Abstract This article summarizes the findings of a project investigating women’s experiences with the Canadian child protection (CPS) and family law (FLS) systems. We examine both service systems together here because although both privilege children’s best interests as their primary consideration and define the concept similarly, the two systems diverge in their expectations of women relative to child custody. While FLS requires women to accept custody arrangements that provide close and continued contact between themselves and their former abusive partners, CPS expects women to leave these same abusive partners or risk removal of their children. The results of thirty-five qualitative interviews with women demonstrate their struggles, firstly, in having their experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) recognized by professionals in the FLS, and, secondly, in becoming caught between the opposing expectations of CPS and FLS while not receiving help from either. Recommendations for change to improve these services are included in this article. Request a copy of the article here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264918689_Children%27s_Best_Interests_and_Intimate_Partner_Violence_in_the_Canadian_Family_Law_and_Child_Protection_Systems Saini, M., Romano, E., Weegar, K., Zak., S., & Gallitto, E. (2019). Child-centered interventions after exposure to intimate partner violence within the context of child custody disputes. In Lyn Greenberg, Barbara Fidler & Michael Saini (Eds). Evidence-Informed Interventions for Court-Involved Families: Promoting Coping and Healthy Child Development. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Outline of the textbook: Children at the center of high conflict divorce and/or child protection cases face increased risks to both current and future health and adjustment. There is a growing research base regarding these risks and the coping abilities skills that children need for successful adjustment, but training gaps and poorly structured services continue to be serious problems. The specific characteristics of these families, and risks faced by these children, underscore the importance of treatment, psychoeducation, and other services adapted to this population and directed to minimizing risks and promoting healthy functioning, autonomy, and resilience for these children. This book provides a critical, research-informed analysis of the core factors to include when developing child-centered approaches to therapy and other family interventions, both in the formal treatment setting and promoting healthy engagement with the other systems and activities critical to children’s daily lives. The book addresses common problems, obstacles, and the backdrop of support from other professionals or the court, which may be necessary for successful intervention. An international team of renowned authors provide chapters covering a variety of service models and drawing on a wide range of relevant research and literature, addressing the legal context, central issues for treatment and other services, and specialized issues such as trauma, family violence, parent–child contact problems, and children with special needs. The book assembles in one place the best of what is known about intervention for court-involved families, along with practical guidance for using relevant research, understanding its limitations, and matching service plans to families’ needs. Purchase a copy of the textbook here: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/evidence-informed-interventions-for-court-involved-families-9780190693237?cc=ca&lang=en& |
Archives
May 2022
|