Supporting Families

Working with people who are experiencing intimate partner violence and their children is not a new concept. However, when we work work with families who are remaining in contact we need to shift our response to better reflect the needs of the whole family. This requires:

  • A more complex understanding about risk and safety
  • A broader definition of safety and safety planning
  • Focusing on the needs and interests of the children
  • Supporting a safe and healthy relationship between children and both parents where possible
  • Leaving and staying strategies for parents and their children
  • A more in-depth understanding about each family’s life circumstances
  • Enhanced collaboration and support within our network of advocacy and family-serving programs
  • Programs for men and fathers that are grounded in intimate partner violence and restorative practices
  • Partnerships as defined by the parents
  • Understanding the impact of  trauma and providing opportunities for healing
  • Providing ways to interrupt intergenerational transmission of trauma

One of the most effective ways to enhance children’s safety and well-being is to ensure that a child maintains a continuous relationship with his or her non-abusive parent and where possible a safe relationship with his or her parent who is abusing or has abused the other parent.