Fragmented and Frustrating: Professionals’ Experiences Navigating the Service System for Children Who Have Lost a Parent to Intimate Partner Homicide

Abstract

Purpose: Children are deeply impacted by the loss of a parent to intimate partner homicide (IPH), but face difficulties accessing sensitive, comprehensive support in its aftermath. Yet, little is understood about the perspectives of professionals within the service system, and the challenges faced in providing this care. Nested within a broader study aiming to understand and improve the supports available for children who have lost a parent to IPH, we aimed to explore the views and experiences of professionals navigating the service system for these children. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 professionals who had supported children who have lost a parent to IPH, analy..