Mothering in the context of intimate partner violence: A feminist intersectional critique of the nursing literature

Abstract

Aims: To describe how mothers and mothering in the context of IPV are conceptualized in the nursing research and practice literature with attention to underlying ideologies, biases and potential harms. Design: Feminist intersectionality was used as a theoretical and analytic lens. Data Sources: Articles published between 2000 and 2021 in the nursing literature, identified by searching Google Scholar, CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus databases, and conducting bibliographic reviews of published articles. Review Methods: Search terms included: intimate partner violence, domestic violence, parenting, mother and nursing. Initial screening resulted in inclusion of 98 papers for analysis.Results: Four dominant ways of conceptualizing mothering in the context of IPV were identified: (1) IPV is conceptualized as a discrete acute event and/or crisis, (2) mothering is treated as a practice, (3) mothers are valued as vehicles for child health and well-being and (4) mothers are seen as vulnerable and 'at risk'. These narrow constructions are rooted in ideologies such as normative motherhood, deficit and grit/resilience and neoliberalism. Emerging shifts in the literature are providing an important counter-balance. Conclusion:Biases in nursing knowledge about mothering in the context of IPV may limit nursing's capacity to support the health of these women and their children. The integration of emerging perspectives that emphasize strengths and equity is critical in strengthening nursing knowledge and practice and in beginning to redress existing limitations and potential harms.Impact: This critique focused on higher-income countries of the Global North but raises fundamental questions that should be considered in other contexts. Applying broader conceptualizations of mothers, mothering and IPV to research and practice can help improve the quality of care available.

Understanding what shapes the priorities of women who are mothering in the context of intimate partner violence: A qualitative study

“…The small body of research that points to the priorities of women who are mothering amid IPV has tended to emphasize physical safety, particularly in relation to decisions to stay or leave an abusive partner and subsequent short‐term safety planning to support those decisions (Eden et al., 2015). This bias is also evident in the nursing literature (Broughton et al., 2022). Factors influencing decisions to stay or leave such as finances, children's exposure to parental violence, police responses to calls for assistance and psychological well‐being have also received attention (Kelly, 2009; Sani & Pereira, 2020).…”

“…Nursing practice to support women mothering in the context of IPV often focuses on children's needs and women's parenting (Broughton et al., 2022). Rather than defaulting to prioritizing those areas, nurses and other healthcare providers can attempt to take a broader approach to care that is based on understanding that women face dilemmas and barriers.…”

“…When women cannot meet all expectations, they are often subject to blame, disapproval and sanction (Schmidt et al., 2023). For women experiencing IPV, these expectations, and the work and impacts of mothering are made more complex, yet there is a tendency, to focus narrowly on mothering in the context of IPV as a vehicle that shapes children's development while overlooking how IPV impacts women who are mothering (Broughton et al., 2022). A more complete understanding about women's experiences of mothering in the context of IPV and what they identify as important in their lives is needed as a foundation for nursing practice (Fogarty et al., 2021; Hooker et al., 2016; McDonald‐Harker, 2016).…”

Domestic violence against women has increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A perspective paper about the need for change to current and future practice

“…DV during pregnancy might increase risks of complications such as low‐birth‐weight infants, pre‐term delivery and neonatal death (Sarkar, 2008). In addition, DV affects mothers in particular ways, while it can be difficult for those affected mothers to obtain the necessary support (Broughton et al, 2022). An emerging body of literature has started to identify the unique experiences of women from BME groups (Femi‐Ajao, 2018; Gangoli et al, 2020).…”

“…All nurses, including mental health nurses, have a vital role in supporting women experiencing DV by intervening swiftly and promoting safety (Hewitt, 2015; Usher & Jackson, 2022). Despite the health ramifications of DV, women experiencing DV do experience difficulties in accessing health care (Broughton et al, 2022; Hollingdrake et al, 2022); access was further exacerbated during the COIVD pandemic (Papas et al, 2023). Whether this is due to stigma and anticipated stigma, lack of awareness of the services available, lack of trust for health care, fear of children being removed from their care, or because the perpetrator is preventing them from accessing health care (Hollingdrake et al, 2022; Ogbe et al, 2020; Papas et al, 2023), this is a serious and often underappreciated issue.…”