Enhancing Safety for Separating Families Affected by Domestic and Family Violence: A Scoping Review of Modifiable Factors.

Abstract

Relationship separation constitutes a period of significant risk for families, with many parents and children experiencing an escalation in domestic and family violence (DFV) as they move through the separation process. While research demonstrating associated risks and adverse impacts is well documented, modifiable factors associated with increased safety for this vulnerable group have received less attention. This scoping review addresses this gap. Informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), articles were retrieved from the Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and SCOPUS databases. Results were limited to peer-reviewed articles reporting original empirical data, in English. No date restrictions were applied. In the resulting 17 eligible studies, we found inconsistent definition and measurement of safety underscored by a paucity of research focusing on safety as a primary outcome for separating families affected by DFV. Of the available evidence, socioecological factors associated with enhanced safety during this period included physical distance from the perpetrator, strategic use of technology to enhance safety, relational support, survivor-centered service support, and intentional processes to aide safety within the family law and court systems. At the individual level, parents' active role in navigating safety for themselves and their children, particularly in the face of systemic and service barriers, appears key. Consideration is given to the interface of systems, socioecological and individual factors that may collectively promote safety from DFV during the family separation process.