Exploring parent perspectives: a qualitative study on the impact of post-separation domestic abuse on children

Purpose
This study aimed to explore mothers’ perceptions of the impact post-separation abuse has on their children. Despite ample research exploring the impacts of domestic abuse on an international scale, literature concerning post-separation abuse is lacking. Internationally, there has been a historical permissiveness towards experiences of coercive control, whereby non-physical acts have only recently become criminalizable. This has led to judicial proceedings minimizing women’s experiences during child contact/residence proceedings. Minimization can lead to post-separation abuse, facilitated by continued contact between a perpetrator, their victim and child. The effects of which were rarely acknowledged.

Methods
17 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users of the domestic abuse support organization, Women's Aid. All participants had experienced instances of coercive control in their previous intimate partner relationship prior to seeking support from Women's Aid. All participants had also undergone child contact litigative proceedings.

Results
Five themes emerged: (1) Loss, (2) Diminished control, (3) Psychoemotional impacts (4) And so, it continues… and (5) Experiencing parent to child abuse.

Conclusions
Perpetrators often use children as vessels against their mothers to exert power and control, furthering emotional turmoil, regardless of the impact upon the child. Children experienced “an awful lot of loss” attributed to continued contact with their abusive father. This research indicates that the prioritization of a pro-contact approach and minimization of experiences of coercive control illicit ill-effects which permeate many aspects of children’s lives. This can lead to short and long term behavioral, emotional, and mental problems, and exposure to further abuse.