NCJ Number
114238
Editor(s)
L J Dickstein,
C C Nadelson
Date Published
1989
Length
266 pages
Annotation
This monograph, derived from the presidential public symposium entitled 'Family Violence,' focuses on the treatment of various forms of family violence, with some attention to the causes, consequences, and prevention.
Abstract
After an opening chapter on the prevalence and urgency of domestic violence, a chapter reviews research on the psychosocial consequences of abuse for domestic assault victims and the role of psychiatrists in treating victims. Other chapters consider the recognition and treatment of incestuous families, the importance of self-help and advocacy in helping battered women, and the stages of anti-sexist awareness and change in men who batter their wives. A chapter addresses victim and abuser profiles in abuse of the elderly, the legal system's handling of elder abuse, and relevant legislative recommendations. A review of the history of police theory, policy, and practice vis-a-vis domestic violence is followed by a discussion of the role of mental health professionals in enforcing the law against wife abusers. Remaining chapters consider intervention programs for individual victims and their families, special intervention programs for child victims of violence, and community prevention programs in family violence. Chapter references, an extensive topical bibliography, a directory of contact agencies, and a self-administered parent stress test for use by mental health professionals.