Citation

Lessard G, Flynn C, Turcotte P, Damant D, Vézina JF, Godin MF, Paradis F, Delisle R, Alcedo Y, Juneau L, Rock L, Rondeau‐Cantin S. Child Fam. Soc. Work 2010; 15(4): 492-500.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2206.2010.00705.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The situation of families undergoing separation in a context of co‐occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment raises certain issues related to child custody. The results presented in this paper were collected and analysed within the framework of a qualitative study aiming to identify the principal points of agreement and the main controversies amongst practitioners in several different types of organizations. Focus groups were held with a total of 43 practitioners from six different settings concerned with child custody in cases of co‐occurrence of IPV and child maltreatment. Although they agreed on the importance of ensuring the safety of victims of violence, their views diverged on three points: (1) the importance of preserving the father–child relationship; (2) collaboration between voluntary organizations and semi‐voluntary or legal agencies; and (3) consideration of cultural differences.