Type:	Journal Article
Title:	An unacceptable risk: child contact arrangements when there is violence in the family
Other Titles:	DVAR: Domestic violence, action and resources
Authors:	Rathus, Z Rendell, Kathryn Lynch, Angela
Keywords:	Post-separation violence;Child protection;Family law
Year:	2001
Publisher:	Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria
Citation:	(12), December 2001
Notes:	Journal of the DVRC Inc. Provides an overview of the results from a research project conducted by the Abuse Free Contact Group (AFCG), in which a series of focus groups, surveys and agency staff interviews were conducted to ascertain the nature and extent of pre- and post-separation violence experienced by women and children involved in court-ordered contact visits with non-residential parents. Three of nine assumptions underlying the research are identified. Firstly, it is suggested that a 'pro-contact' culture has developed under the revised Family Law Act and that this has led to a shift in focus from the child's right to contact with parents to the parents' right to contact with children. Secondly, it is recognised that the Family Court is playing an increasing role in 'front line' child protection. Lastly, the impact of domestic violence on the post-separation behaviour of women is acknowledged. It is argued, based on the research findings, that there is a contradiction between the reality of victims' lives and the demands the legal and welfare systems place on them and that this can lead to further abuse and/or potentially dangerous reconciliations with abusive partners.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13414
ISSN:	1329-900X
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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