Fathers’ Perspectives Regarding Their Children’s Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACT

Children exposed to intimate partner violence are at high risk for mental health and behavioral problems. Numerous studies have examined mothers’ perceptions about the influence of exposure to violence on their children; few studies have examined the views of violent fathers. This study sought to identify how fathers, participating in batterer intervention programs (BIP), perceive consequences of their violence on their children and how they protect and mitigate the destructive effects of their violence on their children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 fathers, with a qualitative approach for analysis. The findings highlight the need for specific intervention for fathers.

KEYWORDS:

• Fathers/fatherhood
• child abuse (neglect)
• domestic violence
• violence (against women and children)

Notes

¹ All names are pseudonyms in order to protect anonymity.

² All quotes were loosely translated from French.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

C. Bourassa

C. Bourassa, PhD, is professor at the École de travail social, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada

N. Letourneau

N. Letourneau, PhD, is professor at the Faculties of Nursing & Medicine (Pediatrics), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.

G. W. Holden

G. W. Holden, PhD, is professor at the Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. United States

P. Turcotte

P. Turcotte, PhD, is professor at the École de service social, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada