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Parenting after separation in the context of family violence

Separating can be stressful and upsetting under any circumstances, and there are additional complexities to be aware of when one parent is leaving a violent partner.

When families living with violence separate, this can be beneficial for children, if they are removed from the violence and kept safe, and are able to begin to recover. However the effects of family  violence can continue to take their toll, even after the parents’ relationship has ended. Family violence can also worsen or even happen for the first time at the point of separation, thus separation can also be a dangerous time for women and children leaving a violent partner and father. 

This information sheet provides advice for parents around how to look after their children’s needs in the context of separating from a partner who has used violence. 

Access information sheet

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