title: Protective Strategies of Mothers Abused by Intimate Partners: Rethinking the Deficit Model.
abstract: Exposure to intimate partner violence is detrimental to children, but can abused mothers protect them, and, if so, what can they do? This study of 350 Canadian abused women represents the first quantitative examination of such protective strategies. The actions that mothers most commonly used and perceived as effective include showing affection and being nurturing to their children. The strategies often suggested by professionals, such as contacting police and obtaining protection orders, were used less and considered less effective than informal strategies. Professionals are urged to ask mothers what strategies they use, especially those who do not involve formal systems.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Kendra L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Nixon
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Leslie M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Tutty
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Radtke
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: Christine A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ateah
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
authors.forename: E Jane
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Ursel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D000066511:Intimate Partner Violence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D065840:Protective Factors; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: domestic violence; mothering; protective strategies