Coping Strategies in Women and Children Living with Domestic Violence: Staying Alive

Abstract

Purpose Children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of adverse short- and long-term psychosocial effects and of being abused themselves. However, mothers and children face systemic gaps when seeking safety from domestic violence services and police. Safety planning typically focuses on women, overlooking their multiple social identities and excluding their children. We explored safety strategies used by mothers and children coping together with severe domestic violence. Method Interviews with 30 mothers who experienced severe or potentially life-threatening domestic violence and 5 adults who experienced domestic violence in childhood were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing five major themes: ongoing communication, appeasing the abuser, soothing activities, exposure reduction, and fostering independence. Results Interpreting participants’ experiences in terms of the mother-child dyad, we found that mothers and their children worked together to reassure each other, keep each other safe, and make plans to leave their abuser. Conclusions Safety planning for the mother-child dyad could build on children’s existing coping strategies and recognize and support children’s desire to protect their mother and themselves effectively and safely according to their developmental stage.

What Helps Young People in Australia Create Healthy Relationships After Growing up in Domestic Violence?

“…In contrast, what our participants have indicated helped, or would have helped, are services which understand, listen and support them to exercise agency in their lives (Katz, 2016). Such is the approach summarized in Morris et al, 2020 article which outlines attitudes that bolster children's agency and abilities, including recognizing and acknowledging children's abilities in utilizing support systems and co-constructing resiliency within the family (see also Winfield et al, 2023). Indications that this would have been helpful were common amongst participants of all genders and both age groups.…”

“…Children's ages, gender, coping abilities and supports in the societal context have been found to influence the outcomes associated with growing up in DV (Barnes et al, 2022;Clements et al, 2008;Yule et al, 2019). Research indicates that the extent to which children are able to cope with DV is linked to their mothers' capacity to maintain close relationships and protect their children as well as they can (Buchanan, 2018;Winfield et al, 2023). Further, research by O'Brien et al (2013) found that the potential threat to a child's immediate and long-term wellbeing can be reduced by them establishing a safe place and a supportive relationship outside the family home.…”