This article discusses the effects of maternal and child abuse on the mother-child relationship in the context of nursing practice. It is argued that when caring for children who are victims of abuse, the family-centred care approach to nursing practice can result in tension for nurses because care generally takes place away from the context of the family. A discussion is provided on the dynamics of family violence and the co-occurrence of maternal and child abuse, highlighting how maternal alienation can occur and be maintained, which can further expose the risk of re-abuse. Safety of the child and implications for nursing practice are also discussed. It is concluded that a reframing of the way in which child abuse is addressed in nursing practice would foster positive mother-child relationships. A call is made for further research on maternal alienation within the context of family violence that would establish evidence upon which to base good practice that would improve health outcomes for mothers and their children.

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Contemporary Nurse 18(1-2) 2005 : 85-96