A Source of Strength
Children’s and mothers’
relationships in the context of
domestic abuse
About
A Source of Strength is a project that celebrates the relationships between children and mothers in the context of domestic abuse.
This website curates photographs created by children and mothers about their relationships together and the importance of them. The narrative around the photographs connects them to research findings about children and domestic abuse.
It builds on research with and about children with experience of domestic abuse and the things that can help children in these contexts. A key finding from these research projects is that relationships between children and mothers are vital for children’s recovery from domestic abuse.
The project was led by Dr Fiona Morrison in collaboration with Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Stills Photography Centre. The photographers are not named to protect their privacy and safety. Copyright for all images rests with the photographers.
The project benefited from learning from a range of projects including Nuffield grant number WEL/43875 and ESRC grant number ES/T001399/1.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to the children and mothers who created these beautiful photographs and allowed us to share them.
Thanks also to Morwenna Kearsley, Stills Photography Centre, who helped advise on using the cameras and creating the photographs. And thank you to Heather Williams, Edinburgh Women’s Aid, who supported the Source of Strength project throughout.
Precious objects
Children who experience domestic abuse often have many losses. They may have to leave their homes to try and find safety. Children may have to leave their possessions, their friends, families and pets behind.
He loves football.
He is always playing football.
Children and mothers took photographs of the objects that were precious to them and that represented their relationships with one another.
Toys after moving
to refuge.
My child loves water.
This is his favourite toy.
Children
Children are intimately involved in domestic abuse. They have their own experiences, distinct needs and bring their own views and understandings of domestic abuse.
Mothers
Relationships between mothers and children can be a place of strength. These relationships can help to protect children from the impacts of domestic abuse.
My mum is happy. And sometimes excited. She is pretty.
And lovely.
These were in mum’s bag.
She’s always got these.
Relationships
Strengthening the relationship between children and mothers is key to protecting children in the context of domestic abuse, and to supporting their recovery from domestic abuse.
Mum: The head looks like a cherub – like my child.
Child: The books are mine, I collect them. Mum and me like hunting for antiques together. The big clock is my mum and the little one is me. The paint brushes are there because we love painting together. The sensory brain is mum’s ADHD brain.
Helping children and mothers to find ways to talk with one another, about the domestic abuse they have experienced, can have positive impacts on their wellbeing and strengthen their relationship with each other.
Magical marble world made with my mum.
I don’t have an object that’s important to me.
I have my children.
I wear them round my neck.
More information and help
To find out more about A Source of Strength contact fiona.morrison@ed.ac.uk
If you are in danger and need help, phone 999.
Support is available 24 hours, 7 days a week at Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
0800 027 1234