Parenting can be a challenging task under any circumstances, but especially so in an environment of abuse and control. This paper has identified that research on parenting in the context of domestic and family violence (DFV) is limited. In particular this paper is concerned with the impact of DFV on parenting, and pays particular attention to the tactics a perpetrator
may use to disrupt the mother-child relationship and what helps to strengthen or heal this relationship (Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety, 2014).

This comprehensive state of knowledge paper is the first of a three part mixed-methods research project (ANROWS research project 1.8) addressing parenting and abuse tactics. This paper presents the current state of knowledge on parenting in the context of DFV by examining the following four research questions.

1. What is the prevalence of DFV among parents?
2. How does DFV impact on parenting capacity?
3. What are the methods and behaviours that perpetrators use to disrupt the mother-child relationship?
4. What interventions exist to strengthen and support a positive and healthy mother-child relationship?

Suggested citation:
Hooker, L., Kaspiew, R., & Taft, A. (2016). Domestic and family violence and parenting: Mixed methods insights into impact and support needs: State of knowledge paper (ANROWS Landscapes, 01/2016). Sydney, NSW: ANROWS.