The Importance of Resources and Information in the Lives of Battered Mothers

Abstract

An increasing body of research has documented the overlap between intimate partner violence and child abuse. To date, very little research has explored mothers' perspectives on how child protection services (CPS) actually investigates and intervenes in families where intimate partner violence (IPV) as well as child abuse or neglect have occurred. The current research explores the complex role of information and resources in child protection investigations and interventions. In-person interviews were conducted with 19 mothers who had been battered and who had been involved with CPS because of the violence. Mothers reported difficulties in sharing information with and receiving information from CPS workers, but some also reported benefiting from information they received. Moreover, for a handful of women, the CPS intervention was a source of emotional strength. Implications for improving CPS interventions when IPV is occurring are discussed.