La mediazione familiare nei casi di affido dei figli/e e violenza domestica: contesto legale, pratiche dei servizi ed esperienze delle donne in Italia

Abstract

The family mediation’s applicability in domestic violence (DV) cases is discussed. Aim of this research is to explore the role of family-mediation in the management of child custody in DV cases, analysing the experiences and knowledge of different social actors -lawyers, social workers and separated women with children, victims of DV-and legal documents. Results showed that violence against women and children was concealed. Professionals ignored DV and so applied mediation as a rule; ex-spouses and parents were presented as distinct from each other; the perpetrators’ patterns of power and control continued during mediation. Family mediation should be focused on the children’s best interest but it is focused on the fathers’ best interest. Professionals unknown the Istanbul Convention. The safety of children and women was put again at risk.