Post-separation Child Contact and Domestic Violence and Abuse: The Experiences of Children with a Disability

Abstract

Purpose

This article addresses a gap in empirical knowledge on post-separation contact in the context of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) for children with disabilities. The intersection of disability and DVA is explored through the mother’s perspective and brings to the fore the unique experiences of children with disabilities in the post-separation contact space.

Methods

Known to be a difficult to reach population, the experience of disabled children were captured through in-depth qualitative interviews with a sample of eight victim/survivor mothers. Mothers were recruited through gatekeepers from a voluntary children’s organization and specialist DVA services. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was the most common disability occurring in the sample.

Results

Three major themes relating to the disabled child’s experience were identified: (i) Courts’ (lack of) consideration of children’s disability in post-separation child contact decision-making; (ii) Disruption to routine; and (iii) Quality of contact. Participating mothers reported that these experiences caused serious emotional distress for the children; distress that was heightened and compounded by their disability status.

Conclusion

Applying an intersectional lens to the experiences of children with a disability who live with DVA, this study simultaneously illuminates children’s vulnerability and marginalization in this context, whilst also identifying gaps in policy and practice responses to identify and address the individual needs of these children. Lastly, given the nascent evidence base on this topic, research which directly elicits the voice of the child is urgently needed.