Australia’s child support system can put single mothers at risk of poverty and financial abuse

Abstract

<p>Australia's child support system can not only increase women's poverty, but can actually facilitate financial abuse, according to our recent research.</p> <p>Child support is an important system that aims to share the financial burden of raising children between separated parents.</p> <p>But there are some serious problems with the way it operates, putting already vulnerable women further at risk.</p> <p>Drawing on the experiences of 675 single mothers, we sought to examine women's experience with the child support system from start to finish.</p> <p>Our research suggests four key changes could improve both women's safety and financial wellbeing.</p>