Insights Regarding Children-to-Mother Violence from the Perspective of Arab-Palestinian Mothers
摘要
This study seeks to deepen the understanding of child-to-mother violence, a largely overlooked issue in the literature. This phenomenon represents a significant societal and health concern, as it violates women’s fundamental rights to dignity and physical and mental well-being. Despite its importance, research on this topic is scarce globally, and no studies have been conducted in Israel until now.
MethodsIn 2024, 36 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with Arab-Palestinian women in Israel. These interviews examined the subjective experiences of child-to-mother violence, focusing on its various forms—physical, psychological, and economic—and their impacts on the women’s lives. The analysis contextualized the findings within the women’s marginalization, vulnerability, and civic exclusion as members of a minority group.
ResultsThe study identified diverse forms of child-to-mother violence and its harmful effects on multiple aspects of the mothers’ lives. It revealed a strong link between such violence and the impact of children witnessing domestic violence. These findings underscore the cyclical nature of violence within the household and highlight the compounded challenges faced by mothers due to their marginalized status.
ConclusionsThis study sheds light on an overlooked issue and provides a foundation for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies. It emphasizes the importance of addressing child-to-mother violence through comprehensive planning and coordinated efforts, fostering collaborative governance to reduce violence, support affected women, and promote their well-being.