Gender- and power sensitivity, securitisation and social peace: rethinking protection for children exposed to post-separation violence

Abstract

This article offers a rethinking of protection based on synthesised data from Finland and Sweden on children’s and mothers’ experiences of post-separation stalking, and social workers’ case reports on children risking exposure to gender-based violence after separation. Drawing on critical childhood studies and a feminist approach to violence and security, we ask how children’s everyday lives can be incorporated in a rethinking of protection for children in post-separation contexts. Departing from identified limitations in protective solutions for children, we propose three ways of rethinking the issue of protection: (1) protection as gender- and power sensitivity, (2) protection as securitising the here and now, and (3) protection as social peace. Our findings call for some changes in professional practices, social policy and legislation.<br /><br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>Protective solutions to the problem of gender-based violence in post separation are limited, if existing at all, for exposed children.</li><br /><li>Orientation towards adults and therapy desecuritise childhoods and children’s social peace.</li></ul>