Citation

Wyndham A. Aust. Social Work 1998; 51(3): 41-48.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03124079808411231

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Beginning with a working definition of domestic violence, this article examines its impact upon children. Children have various modes of involvement in domestic violence and are affected in complex emotional, behavioural and social ways. They are also indirectly affected by their mother's lowered parenting capacity as a result of domestic violence. Children need to be removed from the violence and their possible fear of their fathers needs to be acknowledged and dealt with. A significant factor which must also be taken into account is the ongoing nature of domestic violence, often extending long after separation and divorce. This article will explore the issues which demonstrate the need for children to have supervised, rather than unsupervised, contact with their violent fathers after marital separation. The advantages of supervised contact are discussed, as are the necessary characteristics required of quality contact services and of decision making about the quality and level of supervision over time.