Strengthening Bonds between Children, Young People, and their Families after Family Violence

Authors

  • Rebecca Fairchild The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Australia
  • Janine Sheridan The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v18i4.2600

Keywords:

family violence, young people, families, child welfare, music therapy, children

Abstract

The experience of family violence greatly impacts family dynamics and often results in children and young people becoming intertwined in a complex cycle of love, hope, and fear within their family system. Research in this context has emphasised how having a close relationship to an attuned adult or caregiver is a key protective factor for children and young people experiencing family violence, therefore engagement of family and supportive systems is an important part of the work. This article will explore our collaborative approach to working creatively with children, young people, and their non-violent family members as a way of bringing families back together after their relationships have been disrupted due to family violence. We will draw upon a case example from our work to describe how we use music to give voice to children and young people’s experiences. This approach aims to support children to tell their story, build upon their existing resources, and strengthen connections with the supportive people in their lives. In doing so, we will demonstrate how music can be used to advocate for children and young people’s voices to be heard within the context of their family’s experience.

Author Biographies

Rebecca Fairchild, The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Australia

Rebecca Fairchild is a registered music therapist working at The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre in regional Victoria, Australia. Her research and practice involves collaborating with children and young people and creating a space for their voices to be heard and responded to. Rebecca’s doctoral research was a participatory and arts-based project exploring children’s resources in the context of family violence and homelessness through collaborative song writing.

Janine Sheridan, The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre, Australia

Janine Sheridan is a registered music therapist and family therapist working at The Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre in regional Victoria, Australia. Her practice is informed by collaborative and family-centred approaches with children, young people and families experiencing family violence and sexual assault.

Published

2018-10-21

How to Cite

Fairchild, R., & Sheridan, J. (2018). Strengthening Bonds between Children, Young People, and their Families after Family Violence. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v18i4.2600