When partnership is difficult: Working with abused mothers of abused children

Abstract

In recent years a great deal of attention has been given to the links between the various forms of child abuse and family violence. This article looks at the emotional impact on women of experiencing violence and suggests a model of thought reform that describes these women's experience. The implications for social work practitioners in working with these women and their children is discussed. It is argued that if women have experienced the thought reform process described, then it will be difficult for them to act in ways that will enable them to effectively protect their children.