The impact of domestic violence on parenting : a case study approach

Abstract

This study explores how domestic violence affects parenting by taking a case study approach. Parents, children, a family friend, and professionals who worked with the family were interviewed via semi-structured interviews. These interviews were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. This research takes a critical realist ontology through an interpretivist-constructivist paradigm. The entire research process was interpreted through the following theoretical lenses: Social Learning Theory, Attachment and Attachment Narrative, Mentalizing framework as well Trauma framework. The findings illustrate the continued challenge of parenting on all levels before and after separation. The importance of the mother and her presence despite life’s hardships, was highlighted by the children. Both children and father wished they had a relationship, but they found this difficult. The parents’ parenting behaviours were understood by the children when they became parents themselves. Breaking the repetition of violence echoed throughout the study’s findings both from the parents and children’s ends. The professionals had mixed awareness of the abuse and they saw intergenerational patterns of violence. This study discusses implications for practice, supervision, and policies in systemic psychotherapy and social work practices. It also includes recommendations for future research.