Download or read book Gender Bias in Child Custody Cases written by Jennifer Jee and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is a popularized idea that mothers gain legal custody of their children more often than fathers do, suggesting both a social bias and a court bias against fathers (Bancroft & Silverman, 2002). What is less known is that when fathers seek child custody, they gain such custody (joint or sole) over 70% of the time, even in the documented presence of their abusive history within the home (Shafran, 1994). This poses a risk to both the children and the mother (Bancroft & Silverman, 2002). Gender biases that do occur in family court work against the best interests of the children, not to mention abused mothers, often leading to violent fathers obtaining custody. Throughout this process, children are often negatively affected and are left without a means to have their voice heard or a way to protect themselves. This study further investigated gender biases in family court by analyzing 20 stories written by mothers who have fought for child custody against abusive fathers. A qualitative data analysis of these women's stories using grounded theory identified six categories of prevalent themes. Results offer insight into the current injustices mothers and their children experience. Founded themes highlight the need for change within the family court system that will keep them and their children safe from further abuse. Limitations of the study and future research areas are also examined.