Family Law Attorneys’ Perceptions and Experiences With Intimate Partner Violence: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Family law attorneys frequently encounter intimate partner violence (IPV) when they represent individuals in divorce and custody suits. Understanding the challenges that IPV presents for these attorneys is critical because case outcomes affect safety for clients and their children. To explore these challenges, the authors conducted three focus groups with family law attorneys to learn their personal attitudes and experiences with IPV in their practice. Attorneys reported that their scope of practice often encompassed the psychosocial context of their clients’ lives, and identified IPV assessment, client reaction, and variance in legal system response as prevalent difficulties. This study contributes to the literature by assessing family law attorneys’ perceptions about IPV and considering how they might inform their procedures and practices.