Threats against children during the separation process for women in abusive relationships

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-11/shsu-tac112515.php

Public Release: 30-Nov-2015
Threats against children during the separation process for women in abusive relationships
Sam Houston State University

Mothers who separate from their abusive partners are four times more likely to report threats to take or to harm their children than those who stay in the relationship, a study by Sam Houston State University found.

In "Indirect Abuse Involving Children During the Separation Process," Brittany Hayes, Assistant Professor at the College of Criminal Justice, said that victims of intimate partner violence continue to suffer from abuse after separation, but few recognize the indirect abuse of children during the process.

"When we look at the separation process, we know that women are at an increased risk of violence and sexual assault," said Hayes. "But we need to keep an eye out for other forms of abusive behavior that are not as obvious."

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