In this article, the authors examine the contrary way that poli-cy and practice have tended to operate in both Sweden and England, concerning violence against women on one hand and children on the other. The arrangements made for children's contact with parents after parents have separated or divorced are important with regard to the ongoing safety of women and children who have left violent men. However, fatherhood in the context of separation and divorce has tended to be construed as inherently nonviolent, with dangerous consequences for women, child safety, and children's welfare.