Mothers and Step-Mothers Engaging with Law in Their Response to Adolescent Family Violence

Abstract

Drawing on interviews with mothers and step-mothers who have experienced adolescent family violence (AFV) by their children or step-children, this chapter considers how the interviewees explain and respond to this form of violence. Explanations include that a current or previous partner, usually the children’s father, has co-opted the adolescent to abuse her, that the adolescent is jealous of her because she is a new partner of the adolescent’s father, and the adolescent’s difficulties of adjusting to a new cultural context. Some identified drug use and mental health issues experienced by the child. This chapter considers when and how the interviewees use and interact with the law in respons..