Citation

Elizabeth V, Gavey N, Tolmie J. Violence Against Women 2012; 18(4): 459-481.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801212452049

PMID

22761171

Abstract

A dichotomized picture of postseparation parents has emerged in family law that juxtaposes violent relationships with those that are "normal." Domestic violence scholars and advocates have played a role in reproducing this picture in their quest to secure protection for women and children. Although sympathetic, we argue this construction generates a number of problems: in particular, it obscures the gender power dynamics in relationships where women have not experienced violence. Interviews with separated mothers in dispute over contact arrangements reveal that there are significant continuities in the gender power dynamics they experience, despite differences in their exposure to male partner violence.

Language: en