The current study investigates the psychosocial benefits of a cross‐community, intercultural dance programme for youth in Northern Ireland. Psychological theories, including contact theory and the ecology of childhood development, underpin the study, and results are discussed in relation to the programme's aims. The present study used qualitative, inductive methods; data consisted of interviews before and after the programme with facilitators (n = 2) and 10 (n = 10) programme participants (11–15 years old) of diverse races and nationalities. Latent themes were identified using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that participants have complex senses of identity. Worryingly, they also reported many instances of bullying, relating both to themselves and others. Results reveal three main psychosocial benefits of the programme, all of which promote positive mental health in adolescents. The benefits are increased self‐confidence, the formation of new cross‐community friendships, and improved intercultural awareness and pride. It is argued that the programme is an exemplar of how the arts can promote peace as well as resilience in the face of adversity. Recommendations for future research are included.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore mothers’ perceptions of the impact post-separation abuse has on their children . Despite ample research exploring the impacts of domestic abuse on an international scale, literature concerning post-separation abuse is lacking. Internationally, there has been a historical permissiveness towards experiences of coercive control, whereby non-physical acts have only recently become criminalizable. This has led to judicial proceedings minimizing women’s experiences during child contact/residence proceedings. Minimization can lead to post-separation abuse, facilitated by continued contact between a perpetrator, their victim and child. The effects of which were rarely acknowledged. Methods: 17 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users of the domestic abuse support organization, Women's Aid. All participants had experienced instances of coercive control in their previous intimate partner relationship prior to seeking support from Women's Aid. All participants had also undergone child contact litigative proceedings. Results: Five themes emerged: (1) Loss, (2) Diminished control, (3) Psychoemotional impacts (4) And so, it continues… and (5) Experiencing parent to child abuse. Conclusions: Perpetrators often use children as vessels against their mothers to exert power and control, furthering emotional turmoil, regardless of the impact upon the child. Children experienced “an awful lot of loss” attributed to continued contact with their abusive father. This research indicates that the prioritization of a pro-contact approach and minimization of experiences of coercive control illicit ill-effects which permeate many aspects of children’s lives. This can lead to short and long term behavioral, emotional, and mental problems, and exposure to further abuse.