Resourcing Mothers
This publication is copyright to Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc. and reprinting or editing is unauthorised without permission.
About this resource
This resource for mothers contains general information about the impact of domestic and family violence (DFV) on babies, children, and adolescents, and how this can affect their mothering. It includes some strategies on what can support children, and at the same time support mothering.
Domestic and family violence can happen to anyone at anytime. In a healthy relationship, there is a shared and negotiated balance of power and control with both parties safely expressing their opinions and concerns. In a relationship where one partner tries to have control over the other partner leaving them feeling fearful and isolated, it’s likely that domestic and family violence is occurring. In other words, DFV is not about conflict, it’s about power and control one person exerts over the other.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, finding and receiving the support that feels right for you is important. We understand the challenges and barriers for those who experience domestic and family violence.
For some women being a mother can be very rewarding, however this doesn’t mean that it’s easy, and for some women it can be described as the ‘hardest job in the world’. It can be especially incredibly difficult for mothers who are being abused by their current partner or ex-partner. This can make it difficult for mothers to have the connection with their child or children in the way that they would like because of the abuse/ violence, and they may find that they have to change their mothering in order to try and keep their children and themselves safe from further abuse/violence.