“Every Day It Takes a Piece of You Away”: Experiences of Grief and Loss Among Abused Mothers Involved With Child Protective Services

Abstract

Child protection authorities are becoming routinely involved in cases of domestic violence, sometimes removing children from the home. Abused mothers can experience profound grief and loss, especially when their children are removed. This qualitative study focused on the impact of child protective services on mothers because of concerns of domestic violence. Experiences of loss were complex, and included the loss associated with removal of their children, an inability to mother their children, and their identity as mothers. Participants also noted serious health concerns. These themes, along with implications for abused mothers and their children and child protection professionals, are discussed.