This thesis examines the experience of supervised visitation from the perspective of mothers who have experienced domestic violence. The purpose of the study was to explore in depth how mothers with a history of domestic violence experience the implementation of supervised visitation, what support they receive, what obstacles they perceive, how they interpret their children's reactions, and which factors enhance or diminish their sense of safety. In the theoretical part, I examined the concept of domestic violence, the divorce process, and measures for protecting the child's best interests. I discussed the definition of supervised visitation, the preparation and rules for its implementation, its process, the role of the social worker, the preparation of court opinions, support and assistance during supervised visitation, and the systemic challenges of its implementation, including the issue of visitation in cases of domestic violence. In the empirical part, I conducted a qualitative study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of four mothers whose children had or currently have supervised visitation. The participants were recruited with the assistance of a non-governmental organization (NGO); thus, a non-probability convenience sampling method was used. The interviews were conducted in person. The gathered data were analysed using open and axial coding, which facilitated the formulation of thematic categories related to the experience of visitation, the sense of safety, children's reactions, support, the preparation of both mother and child for the visits, and perceived obstacles. The results indicate that mothers experienced supervised visitation as an emotionally taxing experience. They described the process as exhausting, as it frequently triggered feelings of uncertainty, fatigue, and fear due to re-exposure to the perpetrator of the violence. Supervised visitation in itself did not guarantee a sense of safety; instead, safety depended primarily on the specific execution of the procedure, particularly on the clear physical and temporal separation of the victim and the perpetrator, the safe handover of the children, consistent supervision, clear rules, and timely intervention by the professionals. When these elements were lacking, the mothers' feelings of endangerment and their distrust in the institution's protective role intensified. A significant finding of the study is that the children's reactions to the visits were highly diverse and often linked to emotional distress. The children expressed this distress through the rejection of visitation, crying, fear, behavioural changes, somatic responses, sleep disturbances, regressive behaviour, and a pronounced need for their mother's proximity. The study points out that it is not enough to record the child’s opinion merely formally; rather, it must be genuinely considered when planning future visits. Mothers assumed a crucial yet highly burdensome role in this context, as they prepared, comforted, and explained the visitation process to their children while simultaneously processing the consequences of the violence themselves. The findings also highlight the significant role of NGOs, psychological counselling, and other forms of support, which provided mothers with relief, a better understanding of the process, and general psychosocial support. Experiences with the Social Work Centre (CSD) varied among the participants: some perceived the center as a source of support and guidance, while others viewed it as an environment lacking sensitivity to violence, characterized by unclear communication and insufficient consideration of the mother's and child's experiences. The study concludes that supervised visitation in cases of domestic violence fulfils its protective function effectively only if implemented with clearly defined safety measures, strict adherence to the rules, professional trauma sensitivity, and regular monitoring of the child's and mother's experiences.
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