Collaborate with caution: protecting children, helping mothers

Abstract

Recent recognition of the effects of domestic violence on children has given rise to calls for collaborative interventions between the arenas of child protection and domestic violence. Amidst this flurry of activity, little serious consideration has been given to the subjectivity of mothers who are simultaneously involved with child protection agencies and battered women's shelters. Without explicit engagement of mothers as subjects in their own right, collaboration has the potential to exacerbate their already trying circumstances. Our paper reviews the child protection context in which women as mothers are simultaneously relegated to the periphery of concern and called upon to act as 'mother protectors' in response to children at risk. We then explore mothering in the context of domestic violence and their relative invisibility in shelter settings. We conclude with a call to render women's experiences of domestic violence and mothering both visible and supported in these collaborative efforts.

Child welfare workers' practice in cases involving domestic violence

“…Some women who choose to remain do so because of the fear of sinking into poverty, the lack of resources to support them, or fear of a partner who will threaten them or the children if they should leave (Davidson, 1995). Also, the decision to stay may be an act of protecting the children (Davies and Krane, 2006). In fact, the violent partner often threatens to kill his wife and children if she leaves and the current system does not ensure the protection of the victims who do find the courage to leave.…”

“…As suggested by Rivett and Kelly (2006, p. 238), such a strategy would be very different from a response where different agencies share knowledge and skills. However, it is essential that we take into consideration the 'subjective experiences of women as mothers' (Davies and Krane, 2006). According to Davies and Krane (2006, p. 413): 'Without engaging mothers as subjects in their own right, collaboration has the potential to exacerbate the already trying circumstances in which mothers in difficulty are caring for their children.…”

“…According to some of this research, child welfare workers consider domestic violence as being outside their mandate, because for them it is a problem involving couples (Holt, 2002;Shepard and Raschick, 1999). When they intervene in domestic violence cases, their work is especially centred on the mother and often seems to have the effect of making mothers feel guilty as victims if they don't leave the violent partner (Edleson, 1998;Davies and Krane, 2006;Scourfield, 2001).…”

« Ça se sépare-tu ça, la femme pis la mère ? »

“…Plus particulièrement, cet élément soulève des questions quant aux conséquences possibles d'un tel mandat de contrôle social sur les maisons d'hébergement ; cette obligation de signaler amène les maisons d'hé-bergement dans une logique de contrôle social, qui les éloigne entre autres des principes de base de l'intervention féministe. Ces données semblent confirmer les appréhensions élaborées par Davies et Krane (2006). Même si les femmes n'abordent généralement pas spontanément la question de la violence conjugale et des mauvais traitements, il semble que l'identification de ceux-ci et leur considération dans l'intervention influencent la satisfaction des femmes à l'égard des différents services.…”

“…Cependant, la situation des enfants exposés à la violence est maintenant perçue comme constituant une préoccupation commune et la collaboration entre les professionnels dans différentes ressources a été considérée comme une stratégie à privilégier afin de pallier les difficultés et améliorer la qualité et l'efficacité des interventions Harper, 2007). Certains auteurs soulignent néanmoins qu'une telle stratégie peut aussi mener à une surveillance accrue à l'endroit des femmes et de la façon dont elles exercent leur maternité (Davies et Krane, 2006). L'intérêt grandissant pour la situation des enfants exposés à la violence conjugale a donc amené des changements dans les services pour les femmes et les enfants qui vivent dans un contexte de violence.…”