When a father is a perpetrator of domestic violence, it will affect his parenting in a negative way.
He may be less involved in parenting children; more irritable; less affectionate and may use physical methods for punishment. He can also be very controlling towards his children and often has too high expectations on how they should behave.
Fathers may also manipulate their children into further abusing their mother or use their children to play mind games in the relationship.
Where access is taking place between a father and his children, it can often be another opportunity for him to continue abusing his partner through contact with the children. During access visits, he may speak negatively about the children’s mother, question the children about their mother’s life, and act irresponsibly regarding children’s routine and rules at home.
He may also make the children feel guilty about Dad not living at home and blame their mother for their separation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or is affected by any of the issues mentioned above phone COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service at 091 565 985 (24 hours)
