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Journal of Family Violence

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Open Access 14-12-2022 | Mood Disorders | Original Article

The Use of Children as a Tactic of Intimate Partner Violence and its Impact on Survivors’ Mental Health and Well-being Over Time

Authors: Cris M. Sullivan, Mackenzie Sprecher, Mayra Guerrero, Aileen Fernandez, Cortney Simmons

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 2/2024

Abstract

Purpose

This is the first study to longitudinally examine the mental health and well-being impacts on survivors when their abusive partners and ex-partners use their children as an abuse tactic against them.

Methods

The sample included two hundred seventy-seven homeless or unstably housed survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). All were mothers of minor children. Participants were interviewed shortly after seeking services and again at 6-months, 12-months, 18-months, and 24-months. They were asked about abuse they had experienced in the past six months, including the ways children were used as a form of IPV. They were also asked about their current depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, as well as quality of life.

Results

Many of the participants reported their abusive partners and ex-partners had used their children as a form of IPV to control or hurt them. Further, after controlling for other forms of abuse, use of the children significantly predicted increased anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and quality of life (but not depression) over time.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize the widespread use of children as a common and injurious form of IPV, and its impact on the mental health and well-being of survivors.

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Title: The Use of Children as a Tactic of Intimate Partner Violence and its Impact on Survivors’ Mental Health and Well-being Over Time
Authors: Cris M. Sullivan
Mackenzie Sprecher
Mayra Guerrero
Aileen Fernandez
Cortney Simmons
Publication date: 14-12-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Published in: Journal of Family Violence / Issue 2/2024
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-022-00483-6

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The Use of Children as a Tactic of Intimate Partner Violence and its Impact on Survivors’ Mental Health and Well-being Over Time

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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