“He Just Wants to Get Under My Skin”: Systemic Barriers That Mother-Survivors Confront While Prioritizing Protection

The U.S. legal system reproduces asymmetric power dynamics within abusive relationships. Existing research fails to delineate how civil protection orders increase mother-survivors' vulnerability to continued abuse. Interviews with mother-survivors yielded three themes regarding the ways abusers used children and legal proceedings to maintain power over women: (1) litigation abuse, (2) continued coercive control/harassment, and (3) deliberate sabotage/evading parental responsibilities. Findings illustrate the interconnectedness of abusers' tactics and systemic barriers that jeopardize mother-survivors' and children's well-being. Recommendations for improving legal system responses include implementing early intervention programs to support families, expanding IPV/A legislation to include coercive control, and increasing training for judges.