Mothering in the aftermath of reproductive coercion and abuse
McKenzie, Mandy
Mothering in the aftermath of reproductive coercion and abuse Mandy McKenzie, Cathy Humphreys and Laura Tarzia - Sage, 2024 - Violence Against Women .
Violence Against Women, 2024, First published online, 23 July 2024
A partner's reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) can significantly undermine women's physical health and psychological wellbeing. Yet little research has explored how RCA affects experiences of mothering and relationships with children. Based on an analysis of interviews with 30 Australian mothers, we found that RCA affected mothering in complex ways. Many struggled with feeling detached, resentful, and guilty toward their children, while some found mothering an emotionally and morally restorative experience after the RCA. All felt compelled to conceal their abuse from their children and others. The findings have implications for how healthcare practitioners can support mothers in the aftermath of RCA. (Authors' abstract). Record #8851
ABORTION
ATTACHMENT
COERCIVE CONTROL
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
MOTHERS
PHYSICAL ABUSE
PREGNANCY
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
VICTIM/SURVIVORS' VOICES
INTERNATIONAL
AUSTRALIA
Mothering in the aftermath of reproductive coercion and abuse Mandy McKenzie, Cathy Humphreys and Laura Tarzia - Sage, 2024 - Violence Against Women .
Violence Against Women, 2024, First published online, 23 July 2024
A partner's reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) can significantly undermine women's physical health and psychological wellbeing. Yet little research has explored how RCA affects experiences of mothering and relationships with children. Based on an analysis of interviews with 30 Australian mothers, we found that RCA affected mothering in complex ways. Many struggled with feeling detached, resentful, and guilty toward their children, while some found mothering an emotionally and morally restorative experience after the RCA. All felt compelled to conceal their abuse from their children and others. The findings have implications for how healthcare practitioners can support mothers in the aftermath of RCA. (Authors' abstract). Record #8851
ABORTION
ATTACHMENT
COERCIVE CONTROL
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE
MOTHERS
PHYSICAL ABUSE
PREGNANCY
PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
VICTIM/SURVIVORS' VOICES
INTERNATIONAL
AUSTRALIA