The Troubling Family Reunification in a Post-Separation Abuse Context

The aim of this chapter is to review and discuss post-separation abuse/violence (PSA) and complexities around reunification, understood as physical and legal custody of children and visitation arrangements between children and parents after divorce or familial break-up. A growing body of literature shows that intimate partner violence often continues post-separation, significantly affecting the family members, and places adult and children victims at great risk. We aim to discuss research findings and some of the key legal issues around family reunification in a post-separation abuse (PSA) context. The negative consequences of PSA for family members, demand welfare professionals, such as court officials, social workers, and psychologists, to gain and use knowledge about PSA in their work with families. We believe familial reunifications can be handled inappropriately if PSA and its consequence on parenting, remains uncovered (undetected) and untreated. Custody and visitation between family members in these cases are not always in the best interest of children or/and the parents. Knowledge about intimate partner violence, its complexities and devastating effects, should steer welfare professionals in their work with protection and reunification in a PSA context.