Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/11452
Title: Screening for domestic violence in family mediation: an investigation into how mediators manage disclosures of domestic abuse and associated emotions
Authors: Morris, Paulette Elaine
Advisors: Piper, C
Keywords: MIAM;Child contact;Co-parenting;NFM;Dispute resolution
Issue Date: 2015
Publisher: Brunel University London
Abstract: This thesis explores the practice of family mediators when screening for domestic violence during mediation. Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) and Joint Mediation Meetings (JMs) were recorded between April 2010 and January 2011, by four mediators who mediate for National Family Mediation (NFM) affiliated services in the South of England. These meetings were analysed from the mother’s perspective, using qualitative and quantitative analysis. The themes for analysis were taken from the Duluth Domestic Abuse Intervention Programme (DDAIP). It was found that mediators did initially screen for domestic violence during the MIAM, using the guidelines published by NFM; that screening was focused on the clients perception of the abuse and not the mediators interpretation of the abuse. The published expectation for screening to be ongoing throughout mediation was explored during the analysis of the joint meetings. There was evidence that abusive behaviours were alleged or inferred during those meetings and there was also evidence that the abusive behaviours and the emotions expressed by the mothers were managed by the mediators. There was no clear evidence that the mediators were proactively screening for domestic violence during the joint meetings save for reacting to and managing the impact and effect of the negative behaviours. This study concludes that mediators do not routinely screen for domestic violence during joint meetings, therefore guidance and training for ongoing screening during joint mediation meetings is needed. The current guidance and policy for screening needs to be reviewed.
Description: This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London
URI: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/11452
Appears in Collections:Law
Brunel Law School Theses

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