1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« In this paper we argue that although joint custody is perceived by courts and professionals as a good way to allow children to preserve contact and a continuous relationship with both parents (Duchesne 2006; Levy 2007; Saint-Jacques & Drapeau 2008), when separation occurs in a context of IPV [intimate partner violence] and child maltreatment, the situation is much more complex and raises issues related to the safety of abused children and parents (Lapierre et al. 2004; Jaffe et al. 2005; Harrison 2008). Practitioners helping these families do not all share the same point of view on child custody issues in cases of co-occurrence of IPV and child maltreatment. Our study provides a better understanding of practitioners’ thoughts on child custody issues in such cases. » (p. 499)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
« Focus groups were held with a total of 43 practitioners from six different settings concerned with child custody in cases of co-occurrence of IPV and child maltreatment. » (p. 492)

Instruments :
Questions guidant les groupes de discussion

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

« The situation of families undergoing separation in a context of co-occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and child maltreatment raises certain issues related to child custody. The results presented in this paper were collected and analysed within the framework of a qualitative study aiming to identify the principal points of agreement and the main controversies amongst practitioners in several different types of organizations. [...] Although they agreed on the importance of ensuring the safety of victims of violence, their views diverged on three points: (1) the importance of preserving the father–child relationship; (2) collaboration between voluntary organizations and semi-voluntary or legal agencies; and (3) consideration of cultural differences. » (p. 492)