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Indirect Abuse Involving Children During the Separation Process.

Brittany E Hayes1

  • 11 Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.

Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|July 29, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Separation from an abuser increases the risk of threats against children. Separated mothers were four times more likely to experience threats involving their children compared to those in a relationship.

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Area of Science:

  • Domestic violence research
  • Family psychology
  • Criminology

Background:

  • Separation is often viewed as a protective measure against domestic abuse for partners and children.
  • However, abusers may escalate or alter abusive tactics due to perceived loss of power and control post-separation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if separation from an abuser is associated with an increased risk of indirect abuse through threats against children.
  • To compare the risk of threats against children for separated mothers versus mothers remaining in a relationship with their abuser.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Chicago Women Health Risk Study (N = 339).
  • Examined the association between maternal separation status and reported threats against children.
Keywords:
indirect abuseintimate partner abuseseparationunsupervised visitation

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Main Results:

  • Separated mothers were significantly more likely to report threats to take their children (Exp(B) = 4.05, p < .05).
  • Separated mothers also reported a higher likelihood of threats to harm their children (Exp(B) = 3.93, p < .05) compared to non-separated mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Separation from an abuser does not eliminate risk and may increase the likelihood of threats directed at children.
  • Findings can inform child custody decisions and the development of support services within Family Justice Centers.