Domestic violence advocates – especially in residential settings – are presented with many opportunities to help battered mothers build stronger relationships with their children. It is helpful to consider each interaction with a battered mother and/or her children as a chance to help them enhance family relationships that have been under the stress of surviving abuse.
This document offers 13 key elements of a strong mother/child relationship for families who have lived with domestic violence. Each is followed by concrete suggestions for advocacy and support. It is worth noting that the task of living up to all 13 elements would be challenging for any parent, let alone a traumatized battered mother. There is simply no such thing as the perfect parent.
