“I Have to Make Sure She Is Not Sad”: Children's Perceptions of Their Mothers’ Experiences in Shelters for Battered Women

Abstract

A qualitative study examined children's subjective perception of their mother's situation during their stay in shelters for battered women (SBW). Thirty-two children, aged 7–12 years, who were staying with their mothers in SBWs participated in this study. Thematic analysis revealed the following two core themes: children's perceptions and insights, and feelings that were related to their perceptions. The findings are discussed in light of the concepts of exposure to IPV as a lived trauma, and re-exposure to violence in new contexts, and the role of the relationship with the abused mother in shaping the child's well-being.

Keywords

intimate partner violence children of battered women shelters for battered women violence against women battered women's experiences

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