Young Children’s Lives at Domestic Violence Shelters: Mothers’ Perspectives on Their Children’s Experiences

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze mothers’ narratives about their children’s life situation while living at domestic violence shelters in Sweden. More precisely, the analysis focuses on determining what aspects are highlighted as being most important for the children’s living situation during their stay. Method: This study is based on interviews with mothers who have experience of living at a domestic violence shelter together with their young child/ren. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the narratives. Results: The analysis resulted in seven themes important for the children’s lives during their shelter stay. These are: safety, isolation, a child-friendly environment, shared living space, social relations at the shelter, children’s health during their stay, and support at the shelter. Conclusion: In the narratives, safety was highlighted as the most important issue, and as something that also affects other aspects of the children’s lives during their time at the shelter. A child-friendly environment, access to activities and support, and positive social relations at the shelter are also important. In addition, positive experiences regarding these aspects can be understood to counteract the feeling of isolation and improve children’s ability to process their experiences.