Unraveling the Impact of Domestic Violence on Parent-Child Attachment

Ever wonder how domestic violence affects the emotional bonds crucial to our relationships? Join us as we broach this vital topic with Ruth Guerreiro, Chief Clinical Officer of Genesis Women's Shelter and Support. Together, we'll uncover the influence of domestic violence on the four types of attachment styles - secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized. Hear as Ruth unravels the devious tactics often employed by abusive partners to disrupt a mother's ability to form a secure attachment with her child.

Our conversation takes us into the world of abusive fathers and the harmful tactics they employ that have a potential to leave lasting scars on their children. We shed light on the damaging messages of disrespect, inequality, and aggression these fathers subtly communicate to their children, while also undermining the mother's ability to parent effectively. This exploration promises to broaden your understanding of the psychological warfare often deployed by men in domestic violence situations.

To culminate, we emphasize the power of therapy in mending the mother-child bond post-trauma and reveal the integral role that bilingual services at Genesis Women's Shelter play in supporting families impacted by domestic violence. Learn how therapies like EMDR and play therapy, bolstered by effective praise, physical proximity, and positive physical touch, can boost a child's confidence and foster a sense of secure attachment. This episode isn't simply an intellectual exercise, it's a journey into the human psyche and the resilience of the mother-child bond in the face of adversity.