Abused mothers sought

Barbara Faris needs to talk with a few more single moms.

The Surrey-based researcher is collecting data about single mothers who have suffered abuse at the hands of a teenage daughter.

In March, the Now published a call for volunteers, with some results, but Faris needs for more input in order to complete the study.

"I need about four more people," said Faris, who is conducting research for a thesis into female adolescent violence.

She calls abuse by a child a family's "dirty little secret."

"It's a social thing to not talk about this," said Faris, an LPN with a master's degree in counselling.

Faris says violence against single mothers by their teen daughters is rarely discussed, despite national statistics revealing that almost 1.5 million females hit a parent each year, and most of the victims are mothers.

Faris says the topic is in dire need of research so that programs can be developed to give mothers and their daughters the support they need.

Participants will be asked how she felt and how she viewed the events surrounding the times her daughter hit her.

Anyone interested in participating in Faris' research is asked to call her at 604-594-3102. All messages will be handled completely confidentially.

posted on 05/18/2005