Fijian women’s experiences of domestic violence and mothers’ perceived impact of children’s exposure to abuse in the home

Abstract

This study seeks to capture Fijian women’s experiences of domestic violence and their perceived impact of children’s exposure to abuse in the home. A qualitative research design was employed in the form of one-on-one in-depth interviews with 18 abused women. The analysis of the interviews suggests that it is not just the adult in the intimate relationship but also the child within the household who is affected. Findings illustrate the crucial importance of the mother’s perspective of the effect of abuse on their children and the significant negative effects on their social, emotional, and academic functioning. Implications for social work practice and intervention for women and children are discussed.