Safe ways to co-parent when leaving an abusive relationship

The Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center knows that survivors of domestic violence face many challenges even after leaving the abusive relationship. 

One of the most difficult can be sharing custody of children with their abuser. Shared custody can provide a way for the abuser to perpetuate the abuse against the victim by using drop-offs/pickups and joint custodial decisions as a means to harass, threaten or further abuse the survivor. 

Additionally, the survivor may worry about the children’s safety while they are in the abuser’s custody. These concerns are very valid, as abusive behavior often escalates once the survivor leaves the relationship.