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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/11386
Record ID: 7eacb946-5883-4cd3-a2cc-6e83f1b3a1ec
Web resource: http://www.dvrcv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/DVRCV_DP7.pdf
Type: Non-Fiction
Title: 'Bad mothers and invisible fathers' : parenting in the context of domestic violenceDiscussion paper / Domestic Violence and Incest Resource Centre, Melbourne
Authors: Fish, Ellen
MacDonald, Helen
McKenzie, Mandy
Keywords: Post-separation violence;Impact on children and young people;Parenting;Representations of women;Pregnancy;Legal issues;Family law
Year: 2009
Publisher: Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre, Brunswick
Citation: No. 7
Notes:  To order a copy of this paper download this order form.
General Overview: This Australian discussion paper explores the way that violent men, as part of their abuse, attack women's parenting. The authors, based at the Victorian Domestic Violence Resource Centre, explore social expectations of mothers and fathers to inform our perceptions of these roles in a context of domestic violence. The paper sets out to identify practice that better supports mothers affected by domestic violence.

Discussion: The authors interrogate societal perceptions of motherhood and how these inform our perceptions of mother's experiencing domestic violence. They argue that mothers are considered accountable for the entirely of their children's welfare; accordingly in cases of domestic violence women tend to be condemned as 'bad mothers' if their children are harmed, even when they did not perpetuate the harm.

Domestically violent fathers often exploit the demands the institution of motherhood places on women. To exert further power and control over the victim they may: control decisions around her reproduction; create dependency through pregnancy; control the domestic environment; and engage in mother-blaming. Perpetrators may undermine the mother-child relationship, placing her in a position where she cannot adequately connect with her children, where children may despise and resent her.

The authors argue that violent fathers are not held accountable for the effects their abuse has on children. Fathers who are violent towards their partner can still be perceived by others as 'good' fathers or, if criticised, are considered 'absent' or 'invisible', rather than abusive towards their children.

Even if domestic violence is considered harmful to children, upon termination of the relationship fathers' opportunity to care for their children is prioritised by legal and social structures. Domestically violent men often use family law and child protection systems to paint women as poor, inadequate or failed mothers.

The authors argue for sharing the responsibility of children's welfare between mothers and fathers, and valuing and supporting mothers in domestic violence contexts. The authors recommend that good parenting, rather than good mothering, be prioritised in order that responsibility to children may be evenly distributed. They further contend that supporting those mothering in adverse, traumatic and stressful circumstances will maximise children's wellbeing.
URI: https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/11386
ISSN: 1441-0206
Physical description: 50 p.
Appears in Collections:Books

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