Citation

Butts Stahly G. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 1999; 2(2): 239-251.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J146v02n02_11

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Custody issues for battered women means continuing involvement with a violent, abusive, intimidating partner. This article explores the continuing power and control dynamics of the domestic violence relationship after the woman with children leaves, and presents some preliminary findings. The custody of the children, visitation and financial arrangements often become the basis of terrorism as the man attempts to continue to control the woman's behavior with threats against the children. Fear of losing her children may force a woman to stay in a violent relationship, or return in spite of danger to her children and herself. On the other hand, the history of violence may make it difficult for the mother to cooperate with the court orders regarding joint custody or visitation even when safety appears not to be an issue. It is important for professionals working with children of violent families to understand the continuing effects of domestic violence after separation in order to provide assistance to children ''caught in the middle'' in custody disputes.