title: Help-Seeking After Domestic Violence: The Critical Role of Children.
abstract: Limited knowledge is available on the conditions that contribute to women's help-seeking after domestic violence in South Africa. Qualitative research conducted with 17 abused women in shelters in South Africa indicate that the best interests of children are influential both in women's decisions to stay in abusive relationships and to seek help. The personal decisions of women to seek help are influenced by powerful social discourses on the best interests of the child. Policy and practice that advocate for the best interests of the child need to prioritize the safety of both mothers and their children in domestic violence situations.
authors: University of Johannesburg, South Africa shahanar@uj.ac.za.
authors: Shahana
authors: S
authors: Rasool
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D000066505:Help-Seeking Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013019:South Africa; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: children exposed to domestic violence; disclosure of domestic violence; support seeking