Addressing family violence post separation – mothers and fathers’ experiences from Australia

Leanne Francia; Prudence M Millear; Rachael Sharman

doi:10.1080/15379418.2019.1583151

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Addressing family violence post separation – mothers and fathers’ experiences from Australia

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Addressing family violence post separation – mothers and fathers’ experiences from Australia

Leanne Francia, Prudence M Millear and Rachael Sharman

Journal of Child Custody, Vol.16(3), pp.211-235

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15379418.2019.1583151

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

family law

high conflict

child custody

child abuse

trauma

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

Following parental separation, child custody decisions continue to be made on the basis of the discretionary best interests of the child. The current study explored mothers and fathers (N¼40) in family violence, or high conflict past two years post separation, and their experiences within the Australian family law system. A thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews of separated mothers and fathers. Results revealed that the experience of engaging with the Australian family law system caused considerable anxiety and distress for these separated parents. Principal themes related to: (a) gendered narratives; (b) parents' concerns not been taken seriously; (c) perceived inadequacies in knowledge or competence of experts and decision makers in relation to family violence; and (d) coercion from some professionals within the family law system. These cumulative experiences tentatively pointed to an aftermath of long-term emotional and psychological trauma, not only for separated mothers and fathers, but also children in their care.

Details

Title: Addressing family violence post separation – mothers and fathers’ experiences from Australia
Authors: Leanne Francia (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social Sciences
Prudence M Millear (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social Sciences
Rachael Sharman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - School of Social Sciences
Publication details: Journal of Child Custody, Vol.16(3), pp.211-235
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2019
DOI: 10.1080/15379418.2019.1583151
ISSN: 1537-9418
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Engage Research Lab; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Midwifery
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451128102621
Output Type: Journal article

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